Huntingdonshire FA Premier Cup - Quarter Final

Yaxley 2 Stotfold 0

Wednesday, 12 March 2008

Two second half goals for the Cuckoos caused a major upset at Leading Drove last night as they beat table topping Stotfold in this quarter final with hardly a peep from the notoriously aggressive Stotfold dugout that was closely monitored by their Chairman and watched from the stand by League and FA officials.

Having lost 3-0 only 7 days earlier in the away league fixture, the Cuckoos bolstered by the return of central defender Anthony Thomas, pulled their socks up and took the game by the scruff of the neck from the first minute. Both sides battled well and created chances with both 'keepers being tested. Stotfold lost their captain mid-way through the first half who needed paramedic treatment after having severe chest pains (we all send him our best wishes) and Scott Bogusz (injured) was swapped with Teddy Rimmell. With the honours even at half-time, manager Gary Clipston needed to ensure that his team didn't repeat the previous week's performance and concede an early second half goal and whatever he said certainly worked, although having to substitute injured key defender Matthew Parrott with Chris Gospel during the interval wasn't the ideal start.

In the 53rd minute and in his 3rd appearance, Dan Jacobs created a great opportunity, slotting the ball into the Stotfold net. Not to be outdone, Sam Makansi who again made a major contribution throughout the game, sealed the victory with a superb 66th minute personal effort.

Stotfold responded with several attacks, most of which petered out due to some excellent defensive work by the back four, the mid-field and even the forward line - a rare site in recent months. As Stotfold poured forward, the gaps at the back were well exploited by the Yaxley front runners forcing finger tips saves and a hatful of close shaves, while home 'keeper John Feetham made a brace of important saves at the other end.

After the match, manager Clipston was delighted that his new forward line was starting to produce goals and complimented the whole team, especially the youngsters coming through, on a great game that was well won with a whole team effort. Yaxley now have a Home tie in the semi-final against either Huntingdon Town or Biggleswade Utd (Date to be confirmed).