On a pleasant sunny day the Over 70’s Whites began their League Cup campaign against Eastwood Falcons Yellows.The O’s lined up with James in goal, Lester at the back, Bell, Dooley and Haley in midfield and Kassam up front. The O’s dominated the game from the first minute. Haley and Dooley had good efforts well saved by the opposition keeper. The football was free flowing and the only downside was none of the numerous chances created were converted. Somehow the game ended scoreless.
The second opponents were Chelmsford City Blue. Once again the O’s started brightly. Dooley and Kassam combined on a couple of occasions but their efforts were thwarted by the opposition keeper. The O’s continued to dominate, the combination play between Rehal, Dooley and Haley stretching the opposition and creating numerous chances. Eventually the O’s got the goal they deserved, Kassam with a cool finish after some creative midfield play. Following another intricate move Kassam once again scored with a crisp finish. The O’s deservedly winning 2 0.
This win meant that the O’s needed a point in their final game to progress to Finals Day. The opposition for the last game were Barnet who are placed comfortably in the first division. This game was a much tighter affair between two evenly matched teams. The O’s had a couple of opportunities with Haley and Dooley going close. James made a couple of important saves as the game remained goalless. A poor pass from the back proved to be the O’s undoing. James saved the original effort but. Barnet player followed up and scored from the rebound. The O’s strived to get back on level terms. The O’s were gifted a penalty. The ball was rolling out of play for a kick in when inexplicably a Barnet player encroached into his own penalty area. Haley scored with aplomb from the spot. The game ended 1 1 and the Whites confirmed their place on finals day.
This was probably the Whites best performances of the season. They played intelligent, possession football throughout the three games. James was secure in goal, Lester organised the defence superbly, the midfield gave the team control throughout the three games. Kassam and Chris Conlan were a constant threat. Bell despite carrying a slight injury more than played his part when required. A special mention must go to Dooley who had an impressive debut in the middle of the park. His performance speaks volumes for the talent coming through our academy programme. He represents the class of 56 (1956 that is) with more exciting talent from this year coming later in the season. These are heady times to be a septuagenarian.
Squad: James (gk), Lester, Bell, Haley, Dooley, Rehal, Kassam, C. Conlan (capt).
Goalscorers: Kassam 2, Haley 1.