The quarter final got off to a very even start with both teams playing some very good football in a competitive first half. The home side were without regular goal keeper James Davis who had to withdraw at the last minute, not ideal for a Cup Match especially when playing Lakeside.
Neither team could gain the upper hand, at half time 0 0 was a fair reflection of the effort from both sides.
The second half began in the same manner as the first. That was until John Allen broke down the left flank and crossed a pin point pass for Ricky Hart to guide over the line. 1-0 to the home side, the score once again a sound reflection of the football played.
This goal stirred the opposition and Lakeside drew level with a looping header beating the stand in goal keeper Jocky. After the goal the match settled in to a pattern of “attack and counter attack” from both teams, game on!!
With 5 minutes to go Danny Lewis, in defence, cleared a long ball up field, Richard Nicol controlled the ball brilliantly, spun and fired a 35 yard “thunderbolt” in to the top corner of Lakesides net. The quality of the shot would have beaten any keeper at any level and was worthy of a win. At 2-1, this was the case, Lakeside tried in vane to level the game but the home side held out.
2-1 was the final score, on past season’s performances, some would have put Lakeside in to the final as “Champions Elect”. Unfortunately not this season, the trail to the final continues where it started with Ships Tavern FC.