The First team began their Junior Cup campaign with a trip to Kirkley & Pakefield U23s playing in the 3G surface.
With five regular players unavailable it gave the chance for Matt to call into the squad a couple of reserve players who have been performing well in recent weeks, Olly Seymour and Will King.
The game started at a high pace with neither team on top, but as the half progressed we started to dominate the ball and create chances. The best chances fell to Charlie Felton (sponsored by The Kings Head, Yoxford) who failed to convert a great cross by Eddie Hadley (sponsored by M&R Cars), and Dale Pearse (sponsored by M&R Cars) hitting the post from close range. However we failed to make the breakthrough and it remained 0-0 at half time in what was a very competitive half of football.
We came out for the second half on the front foot and after 10 minutes took the lead. Charlie Felton (sponsored by The Kings Head, Yoxford) crossed from the right and Joe Moore (sponsored by Xtra Time Sports Development) finished at the second attempt.
We were now in complete control and playing some good passing football, with the 3G pitch suiting our style of play.
On the hour mark Matt made changes and within minutes Olly Seymour turned the defender to run through and slot home.
Not long after, Olly scored his second and our third running onto a Dale Pearse (sponsored by M&R Cars) pass which Will Stebbings (sponsored by R&R Carpentry) dummied through his legs, and Olly beat the keeper at the near post.
As we continued to dominate, Joe Murphy was taken down in the penalty area and Olly was given the opportunity to complete his hat-trick, which he did by calmly passing the resultant penalty into the net.
We saw the match out by simply keeping possession and controlling the ball, and the match ended 4-0 to see us safely through to the next round.
In summary, it was a strong performance and, after a close first half, we completely dominated and fully deserved the result. Special mention to Olly for his quick fire hat-trick having come on as a sub, to add to his five goals for the Reserves in the previous week.
Thanks also to Kirkley & Pakefield for their hospitality and we wish them well for the rest of the season.
The Reserves travelled to Mendlesham hoping to avenge a defeat from earlier in the season. However it was not to be as they were defeated 1-0 in a very close match.
Next week sees the First team hosting Stonham Aspal, whilst the Reserves have a week off.
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