It was really unlucky to draw AFC Totton in the 4th round of the Hants Cup and even more unlucky that the match should be scheduled for the first Sunday after New Year. 2 weeks off for Christmas and New Year and the previous 2 week's matches cancelled due to bad weather could hardly be considered good preparation! Nevertheless on a crisp, sunny Sunday morning it was time for the Team to stand up and be counted.
On paper there was very little between the teams and for the first 30 minutes there was very little between the 2 teams on the pitch. Neither team's strikers could make any impression upfront against solid defenses and neither goal keeper was called upon to make any significant save.
It was a hard well fought game, mainly carried out in the middle of the park but slowly the Totton midfield started to dominate.
Winchester had elected to play 4-3-3 with Danny L and Ace, 2 defesive midfielders, playing just in front of the back 4. This strategy just encouraged Totton to push forward and forced Winchester to play most of the first half in their own half of the pitch. Although perfectly able to deal with anything Totton could throw at them Winchester were unable to create any attacking threat and failed to asert any influence on the game and the first half ended in stalemate.
The second half started the way the first finished. The Totton midfield continued to grow in dominance but it was still a shock when Totton took the lead. A long diagonal ball sliced open the Winchester defence and the Totton number 10 slid the ball into the net and within minutes it was 2 - 0 and game over. Winchester lost their composure. With plenty of time to get back into the game Winchester rushed a throw in the Totton half and lost the ball. With players out of position Totton were able to run into the box unchallenged and "webby" conceeded the penalty!
Winchester had no option but to change tactics reverting back to the fast moving, progressive football we have played all season so far but despite hitting the bar late on, it was too little, too late.
Congratulations to Totton. It's disappointing to be out of the Hants Cup but expect a different game the next time we meet!
