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| Saturday 15 March 2003 East Court 1 Lingfield III 2 East Court FC approached this Stratford Cup semi-final derby with a positive self belief, built on knocking Lingfield III's out of the Malins Cup and last week's semi final victory against pretenders Chailey in the same competition. A typical derby match, the pace was frantic and full of strong challenges from both sides. Player manager Dan Medcalf, who suffered a groin injury in the first 5 minutes, but with no subs played on, with Martyn Bishop and Nick Palmer displaying top quality tackles, Palmer clearing a shot off the goal line after 5 minutes. East Court were guilty of poor shooting throughout the 1st half, disappointing after tireless running and tackling in midfield by Simon Nickols, Barry Denyer and Mark Nolan. James Salter was one of many to squander a fine chance, albeit on his weaker foot. But Court's team morale never dimmed, Martyn Bishop in typical vane, shouting words of determination. Lingfield counter-attacked on 25 minutes, a weak shot deceiving goal keeper Paul Bishop at his near post, and 5 minutes later, Lingfield now playing on a crest of confidence, broke again, a defensive header falling only to the Lingfield striker, who calmly slotted the ball into the net. East Court dominated the second half. Carl Buckler's determination never faltered down the left, with Andy Wright showing his pace down the right wing, just lacking the finishing cross. East Court's passing game started to mature, and their play reflected their growing reputation. Dan Medcalf's County football history shone through, with searching runs from defence desperate to find the deserved goal. Barry Denyer's scintillating solo run for goal, was snatched from him by the last defender's heel. But the goal came after 65 minutes, a deft flick by Denyer into the path of Martin Bishop, put upfront, who crossed a quality powerful low cross into the six yard box, which could only be turned in by a hapless Lingfield defender. But chances were not put away by East Court, Ross Kelly and Wright both heavily involved in build up play, finishing poorly after creating fine chances. Nick Palmer showed fantastic defensive grit, and was duly awarded with Man of the Match for his heroic contributions. It is a great attribute to this newly formed and young East Court team, that Lingfield's 2 league superiority over them did not show throughout the match. Team: P.Bishop, A.Wright, C.Buckler, M.Bishop, D.Medcalf, N.Palmer, S.Nickols, B.Denyer, R.Kelly, J.Salter, M.Nolan |