Tollbar Last Gasp Dash to Final
October 17th, 2006
Tollbar BEC year 9 football team are making preparation for the Grimsby and District Cup final after a narrow victory against Lindsey. The game was a contest with very few chances created by either team. The added incentive for both teams would be the honour of playing the cup final at local Coca-Cola League 2 side Grimsby Town.
After a day of rain, the weather cleared up to allow near perfect conditions for football. Injuries to key players, left back Drew and talisman Lawrence Heward had seen the introduction of centre half and debutant Jac Burkitt, however he was asked to play out of position at left back.
As the match got under way both teams tried to establish control and the match was played in a good spirit and was end to end. Slick passing from Tollbar skipper Razieh was creating chances; he was taking up the creative mantle and was the cog in the machine allowing Tollbar to break forward.
Both defences were difficult to break down with a commanding performance from Penny at centre back cutting out many of Lindsey’s searching long balls, starving their attackers of the ball. Tollbar had settled quickly and were on more than one occasion threatening the Lindsey goal. Tollbar were particularly threatening down the right hand side where Sam Graves was working hard and finding Razieh who in turn was able to link up with strikers Blake and Cole.
Chris Cole in particular was offering a great deal of menace with his lightening pace and combining well with Blake’s deft touches.
The first half ended with little threat to either goalkeeper. It was going to be a close match with the only break through coming from an error; the second half would decide who would be fortunate and have a date with destiny at Blundell Park, home to the Mariners.
Captain Razieh demonstrated an eye for goal, picking up the ball and running at the defence, Lindsey continued to retreat and Razieh fizzed a shot in from 20yards which narrowly missed. Razieh’s performance was controlled as he was beginning to show the type of skill which he so often demonstrates in training.
A half time change had seen Wilson replace Graves, who’s pace would have been more of a threat going forward for the Tollbar BEC cause. It also saw centre back Shipp, who had shown his worth in the previous round against Humberston be replaced by Sheard. This move allowed Burkitt to move to his familiar centre back role along side Penny. The understanding between these two was a key factor in the victory as the produced many timely interceptions and showed great strength in the tackle.
Chris Copestake produced the save of the match tipping a goal bound shot over the cross bar. It was indeed Copestake who would prove crucial in the match winner. His ability to put the opponents under pressure from his goal kicking was used to good effect by Chris Cole, who had been advised to play on the shoulder of the defenders and gamble on the clearances as his pace would put him into the clear. It was a hopeful kick up field which brought the mistake, fortunately for Tollbar it was Lindsey who made the mistake, Cole pounced on the chance like a hungry cat. Taking the ball into the box and firing low past the advancing goal keeper. The timing couldn’t have been any better as the goal came in the final minute.
The whistle blew and the celebrations began. Tollbar BEC would be playing in their 2nd Grimsby and District cup final; they are hoping to retain the trophy that they won last year.