On a bitter cold afternoon, and the first game at home for weeks, Bishops Waltham narrowly lost an undeserved game at the hands of Fleetlands in the cup 1-0.
The team was very make shift, with only 11 players turning up, meaning reserve manager Stuart had to be a sub. The team took to the field in an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation, with Ryan Dickson playing as sweeper for first time this season.
1st Half:
The first half was all Waltham as they produced some neat football and interchanges. Waltham first major effort was after 10mins, Sharp broke down the wing, played it inside to Hallet who played a neat touch to Plumhoff, he spurned his shot over from 20 yards. Half way through the first half and Jack Hallet was played through by a nice ball from Drinkwater but he was deemed offside, debatable. The ever so sluggish Chris Andrews (after a boozy night out) was doing his best to get on to the through balls made by plumhoff but if he had the pace then Waltham called have been 3 up at the interval!.................H-T 0-0
2nd Half 0-0:
The team talk at half time was pretty clear, more of the same but keep the ball on the deck more. The visitors started the 2nd half a lot brighter as they went close a couple of times, only for the ever so impressive Dickson and Lickman to avert the danger. Waltham the had two chances of their own in space of 5 minutes, both falling to Andrews, his first a neat turn and shot lacked power and his 2nd a snap shot after some good work from winger Mark Stanmore, who was having a quiet game by his standards. Then the sucker punch, after Waltham pushed forward in numbers looking for that deserved goal, Fleetlands had other ideas, with Plumhoff giving the ball away and Sharp out of position, Fleetlands took full advantage, whipping a ball across goal, the ball deflected off Lickman and fell kindly to there player who struck it fiercely into the corner. It was now or never for Bishops Waltham, they had to press, and they did and so nearly got there reward. Plumhoff played a lovely ball for Stanmore, who rode two challenges to get to the byline, his inch perfect ball, was met by Hallet, who, from 5 yards out, missed-kicked it and they cleared. Then 5 minutes later, this time Stanmore the supplier, played a great ball to Plumhoff, who guided a ball into the 6 yard box, as Hallet climbed to simply header in, the keeper some how rose highest to claw it away. With 5 minutes left Waltham scattered forward, searching for extra time. A wonder strick from Phil Smith from 35 yards produced a 'world class' save from the keeper, everyone thought it was in, from the corner Fleetlands broke forward, after a wonderful through ball, Dickson some how made 3 heroic yet wonderful challenges to deny a second. With added on time, Waltham had one last chance, a corner. The ball was met by Dickson, whose header flew inches wide. All in all a spirited and valiant display from the reserves.
F-T 0-1
