National Cup 2nd Round

Arranging these matches can be a nightmare, getting two teams together on the same day is almost impossible, without having to compromise on your first choice squad.

So was the case with this WFA National Cup 2nd Round tie at home to Barnet WFC.

As the home side, we have to offer the opposition three dates, neither of which was preferable to Barnet, as they couldn't field their strongest side, but rules are rules, so rather than forfeit the game, they agreed to send a 'make-shift' team for one of the dates, that being Friday 15th May, kick-off 8pm.

This was the only date that we didn't have our top scoring striker available, but we still had a strong side.

The evening, weather wise was perfect for football and for the first time we wore our new red/white kit courtesy of JPME one of our sponsors. There was also a decent crowd of fellow club members and their families, which the lads really appreciated their support.

Our referree for the game was Jesse Birdsall, who is probably one the WFA's top referees, and as we had an idea the game could get feisty, he was an excellent choice.

The game kick-off and for the first few minutes we couldn't get hold of the ball. however, a loose ball in their defence was seized on by Alastair Greene who made no mistake with a fine shot putting us one up with virtually our first touch of the ball.

The game then settled down somewhat, but with their striker running like he had a bus to catch at every given moment.  However, a challenge from behind from Alastair Greene denying him a goal scoring opportunity, resulted in a penalty being awarded and a blue card (4 mins in the sin bin) for the challenge.  The penalty was despatched despite a sterling effert from John Durrant in goal.  The half continued with both sides playing some neat football and some fine saves from John Durrant kept the score level. Their 'road runner' striker who had also been fairly vocal with it was then blue card for a third running offence. Shortly after his departure, a fine passage of play involving Steve Beament on the right side of midfield, played a lovely weighted through ball to striker Mike Wood, who duly despatched it with a fine shot. 2-1 the half time score.

The second half saw the introduction of another 'loud and aggressive striker from Barnet and it wasn't long that they equalised with to be fiar a great shot which was unstoppable. Midway through the second half we were awarded a free-kick just outside their box, and a training ground routine was excellently executed by Mike Wood with Alastair Greene putting the ball into the top corner, to put us back into the lead. At this point the game was getting quite feisty with both the Barnet strikers totally forgetting the spirit of walking football and running a close line to being sent off for aggressive play and being verbally aggresive towards the referee.  I don't think it helped the fact that they weren't getting it all their own way with Andy Balshaw, Alastair Greene and Steve Beament conrolling midfield and as always expert defending from the ever dependable and captain for the night, Cliff Leat.

With time running out, and Steve Beament on two running offences, we introduced Dave Marsh into the action to try and see the game out. With just 90 seconds remaining a deflected shot beat the outstetched hand of John Durrant and Barnet were level for the third time.  3-3 the final score and of course that meant the dreaded penalty shoot out.  This is an horrible way to end what was a good game, if very agressive at times. On another day we should have probably won the game in normal time but penalties it was which ended in a win to Barnet 2-0.

So, our WFA National Cup for 2026 came to an end with defeat, against a 'make-shift' Barnet side that included three internationals!! Well done lads you did the club proud!

Squad: John Durrant, Cliff Leat, Alastair Greene, Andy Balshaw, Lee Swales, Steve Beament, Mike Wood, Andy Smith, Dave Marsh.