Southampton Intermediate Cup - Semi Final - Away Lyndhurst

To reach the semi-finals of the new Southampton Intermediate Cup was an achievement in itself for the First team. To reach this point The team took down Bush Hill Reserves and Follands Reserves from the Wyvern league but the team didn’t want to stop there as they faced Hampshire Div1 side Lyndhurst In the semi-final. Lyndhurst have been in flying form since Christmas beating everyone they had faced only conceding one goal so we knew it would be a tough game as we too had a 100% record since the Christmas break.

The team started well in very tough conditions getting hold of the ball and moving it well. The first 20 minutes of the game were all Dynamos until a great counter attack from Lyndhurst cooly converted to make it 1-0. The rest of the first half was open, little quality from either side meant it stayed 1-0 at HT.

A change of shape and some fire in the belly’s at half time saw the First team come flying out ad immediately put Lyndhurst under huge pressure, which resulted in some heroic defending keeping the game 1-0. Then a moment of madness from the officials that turned out to change the game. A long clearance from a Lyndhurst defender was flicked on to a forward who was clearly offside but the linesman flag stayed down despite everyone on the pitch stopping for the offside and the Lyndhurst striker slotted home. This took all the wind out of the sails of Dynamos (despite it being the windiest game we have played all season) and Lyndhurst defended the lead right to the end. With 5 minutes to go Dean Cole made an excellent save from a penalty kick to make a mends for him giving it away.

The game finished 2-0 and the First team are out of the cup.