Through to the league cup final

The Redsox fought back well from 0-1 down to beat Southgate in the League Cup Semi Final to win 3-1 and secure a place in the London League Vets Div 2 final on April 8th against Epsom or Spencer.
A strong Redsox side started impressively and dominated the game for the first 20 minutes but a lack of composure in front of goal and some dreadful finishing meant we came away empty handed from this opening spell and instead a well worked short corner by Southgate saw them take a 1-0 lead.

Fortunately, a good pass from Wall allowed Monty to hit a shot in the general direction of goal and, with the skipper fortunately completely missing the ball, it rolled into the far corner for a well-timed equaliser just before half time. Monty then went off to help the SuperVets win their last league game having covered for Paxo who had his nose split open by a rash Southgate challenge.

The second half saw the Redsox play some excellent vets hockey with good possession and the creation of more good chances; the second goal was the consequence of a near miracle as an unmarked, one-eyed Micky stopped dead a bouncing exocet cross from Gavin on his reverse stick, his consequent shot straight at the keeper rebounded to Scottish Steve, who politely suggesting the skipper keep out of the way, finished clinically with a flick into the corner.

The third goal was a well worked move down the right and the skipper again managed to control a good through ball before slipping a pass to Fitty who finished with aplomb.

Mike Pell took over managing the bench from Bartie in the second half (with wise guidance from Trevor and most of the bench) and he ensured we had a regular supply of fresh legs on the pitch to frustrate the young Southgate squad for the third time this season.

Everyone played well in a good spirited game but with better finishing we would have won more comfortably; however, securing a place in the final was a job well done by the squad (men of the match go to Mike Pell and Bartie for running the bench very well and keeping a big squad happy!).

As always big thanks to our four umpires: Phil Bastian, Jo Newman, Mike Gray and Mike Sartorius who all blew very well.

Finally, a personal thanks to those Redsox who helped the SuperVets secure a good 4-1 win against Southgate SV’s today (again coming back from 0-1 down) in their last league game of the season and stretching their league victory even further. I do appreciate that we deliberately selected a strong Redsox squad and therefore asked some of you to play for the SVs today rather than for the Redsox and my apologies if this decision was not necessarily one you were happy with but I was very keen we had a side in the London League Vets finals at RHC.

Next week the final is at 12.30pm at RHC, ALL Redsox players are welcome to come although Bartie and I will select a squad for the match which is likely to be against the very strong Epsom league winners.

As I said to the team at the end, it has been a hugely enjoyable season for the Redsox and finishing second in the league and making the Cup final is a terrific achievement. Thank you to everyone who has played and umpired but above all a huge thanks to Bartie for enabling us to run four Vets teams this season and bring a lot of pleasure to a bunch of old men. A couple of snaps attached.

Please let Bartie know your availability for next Saturday immediately.

Micky