After scoring a hatful of goals and playing some superb football in recent weeks, ASB focused their attention on picking up their first piece of silverware this season. Fulham were the opposition this weekend and after outplaying them a couple of weeks ago in the league, they would sure to be well up for turning the tables on us this time around.

When we all got to the ground, there seemed to be 2 important factors that could influence the outcome of the result. The scorching heat and the numbers in each squad - that proved to be the case.

At around 2pm we went out for our warm up, not that you would really need to get warm. The weather seemed to be getting more and more humid and with the size of the pitch, it was vital to score early and to try and keep the ball and let Fulham do the chasing. Inga and Keir then took us back to the changing rooms before announcing the team and a last  teamtalk before we kicked off. The team lined up as follows:-

Naz

Orv Peewee Benson Tina

Eddie Donny Riz JJ

Sharkey Gavin

Subs: Weeman, Lee, Slouch, Nick, Juzza, Frange, Tim, Task, Immy. Crouchy

Fulham got the game underway but within a minute, they were having to kick off again as we struck the first blow of the contest. A neat passing move down our left saw JJ break free on a storming run into the penalty area, he unleashed a shot that was saved but Gav was on hand to knock in the rebound from close range. 1-0 ASB.

After the 6-0 mauling in the league last month, this may of knocked the confidence of Fulham but to be fair, they battled well after the early setback without really causing us too many problems at the back. Naz was like a rock in goal, commanding his area well and being vocal with his back four.

We then forced Fulham back and pressurised them into conceding corners. Eddie was producing quality from that area and only for last ditch tackling and clearances, our lead could have been extended. We didn't have to wait long for the 2nd goal and what a strike it was. Another excellent run down the left by JJ was brought to a halt by a Fulham defender. It brought back visions of the Worldnet final 2 years ago, same position, same player and pretty much the same outcome! From the tightest of angles, Eddie swung over a free kick, which seemed to be in the air for ages before nestling right into the top right hand corner, the keeper had no chance and it was a real piece of genius. 2-0 ASB

The rest of the half seemed to fizzle out, a few long balls over the top were easily dealt with by Peewee and Benson, whilst Tina was the first to every ball that came his way and pretty much had the right winger in his pocket. Half time came and we headed back to the changing rooms for a few words on what has to be said a pretty pleasing performance, the scoreline suggested just that.

No changes were made at half time but having the luxury of a host of subs, changes wouldn't be too far away given the conditions.

ASB kicked off the 2nd half and started on the frontfoot, we were playing some delightful football with Riz, Donny and Eddie the main architects in our play. One or 2 decisions didn't go our way and we seemed to lose focus because of it, so many times in the past this has cost us dear and it so nearly happened again. The quick and tricky
Fulham winger, danced past a couple of challenges before prodding the ball past the oncoming Naz, a bit of a blow but now was the time to re-focus and keep our heads. ASB 2-1

The next goal would be crucial, Fulham were clearly buoyed by their goal and had a good 5-10 minute spell of pressure but we held firm and then another moment of magic, this time from Donny. Orv played a ball up the line for Eddie, who cut inside and laid a pass off for Donny. The Fulham defence sat back and Donny took 1 or 2 steps forward before unleashing an unstoppable shot from all of 25/30 yards. Again, the keeper had no chance as he watched it sail over his head and into the top corner. 3-1 ASB

Orv was then substituted, having taken a blow to the hip in the first half and was replaced by Tim, who slotted in at right back.

The 3rd goal knocked the stuffing out of Fulham, they battled hard but from then on it was one way traffic and it was anyones guess at how many we would score. Inga and Keir decided to make a few more changes, which weren't surprising as the heat had taken its toll on many players.

In the 75th minute, Tina received the ball on the left and played it forward to Slouch who set off on a mazy run which took him past 2 or 3 Fulham challenges with ease. He found himself with a clear shot on goal but the Keeper did well to save, Slouch was on hand to take a touch, compose himself and place the rebound into the bottom corner. The jubilation on the touchline was evident and we knew there was no way back for Fulham. 4-1 ASB

A flurry of subs then took place, it must have been pretty disheartening for Fulham, seeing us make so many changes when they had battled through with just 13 players but we were in no mood for sympathy and soon added the final touch to an excellent game of football. A nice one 2 down Fulham's right set Gav on his way, he skipped past 2 challenges before crossing low into the box and Immy was in the right place at the right time to make it 5. 5-1 ASB

Fulham had a chance to score a consolation but a well worked quick corner ended up with a shot being struck wide of Naz's left post. We saw out the remaining minutes comfortably and the ref blew the whistle, we had our 1st piece of silverware of the season.

It was a superb effort from everyone, including the management. Everyone played their part in this Cup Final and we got what we deserved, the trophy and tag of being the best team in London (and surrounding areas)

There were a few Nominations for MOM, Eddie for causing Fulham so many problems with his passing and set pieces. Tina and Benson for having stormers in defence. Infact, I think we were all MOM in our own rights but the man of the match went to Donny, who was the inspiration in the victory.



Hopefully this is only part one of our celebrations, we are still in the hunt for the league title and then the big one in Leeds in July, if we can keep this squad together for the next couple of months, it will take something special to stop us.


Orv