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| The First XI |
Such an important game inevitably created a degree of nervousness in both sides and the early exchanges were concentrated in the middle third of the pitch. However Malvern were soon into their stride and after a period of pressure they were awarded with a goal in the seventh minute scored by Tom Chappell following up a rather speculative lob into the area. The goal brought the game to life and even more pressure on the Lancing goal. Max Thaler was particularly effective in chasing ‘lost causes’ as well as making a superb run through the Lancing defence only to shoot wide.
The almost relentless pressure led to a second Malvern goal after thirteen minutes when Henning shot wide of the keeper low inside the left hand post.
Lancing immediately responded by increasing their effort and were almost instantly rewarded when the centre forward put a ‘free header’ inches over the bar. The centre forward was indeed causing the Malvern defence real problems, especially on crosses, but Malvern went off for the interval with a two-goal advantage.
Lancing had obviously had a severe talking to from the coach at half time for they began the second half with greater effort and urgency. Such was their dominance at this stage that the ball remained in the Malvern half for fully five minutes of play. The Malvern defence was not looking as steady as it had in the first half, experiencing particular difficulty in dealing with the long ball.
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| Matthew Wright, the Victorious Captain |
However, Matthew Wright, the Malvern captain, was as solid as ever in the No.5 shirt and at the other end a rocket shot from Thaler, brilliantly saved, was a reminder to Lancing that they could not throw too much caution to the wind.
Half way through the second half Malvern were again in the ascendency when they were caught out by a loss of concentration. At the time of a Malvern substitution, and the consequent reorganising instuctions from the coach, a long throw in was headed on and then headed into the goal. The scene was set for a tense final fifteen minutes, especially with the large crowd of vocal Malvern supporters. The football coach was shouting instructions to Wright to “keep shape at the back” whilst the newly appointed Senior Master was advising the defence to “wellie it”.
In the final period of the game there were chances for both teams and Thaler could have sealed it ten minutes from time when he was one-on-one with the Lancing keeper only to blast the ball high. Malvern did hang on to their lead of 2 goals to 1 and the final whistle came as a great relief. It had been a spirited performance, deserving of a place in the quarter-finals where they have been drawn away to Millfield. The fixture will be played at Kingsweston on Wednesday November 26th, kick off 2pm.
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