Willsy brushing up his skills

The Bosworth boys rolled up to the quarter-final with a slightly depleted squad, a few carrying knocks, and at least one carrying the effects of a questionable pre-match preparation.

With the sun blazing (in March?! ), most of the lads got changed pitchside, soaking up some vitamin D and pretending it was all part of the warm-up routine. The gaffer made it clear the changing rooms weren’t needed… but, unsurprisingly, Lee and a couple of the lads ignored instructions and went in anyway.

And what a decision that was…

Lee’s luxury pre-match suite:

(AKA the loneliest changing room in football history)

One bench

One bin

Zero atmosphere

Safe to say, morale was higher outside!

Boss Eddy, back in charge, picked a side he hoped would do the job on a pitch that looked like it had been used for farming more than footballl - divots, bobbles, and a few ankle-breakers thrown in for good measure.

Bosworth started well, knocking it around nicely at the back with Dicko, Lee, and Jono enjoying themselves. Carl and Matt provided width, while Scott, Wilsy, and Hutch battled away in midfield trying to feed Danny and Stu up top.

It was a tight game early on, with chances at both ends. Scott and Stu came closest for Bosworth, while Mossdale had a few half chances. The standout moment? Their winger being sick mid-game - whether from the heat or 10 jaegar bombs the night before is still under review. The ref who had the look of Hasselhoff from Wish Dot Com asked him to leave the field.

Between the sticks, Jim was having a stormer - pulling off some top saves to keep Bosworth level when it mattered most. Safe hands, sharp reactions, and probably the main reason the lads stayed in it during the tricky spells.

Second half, Bosworth finally made it count - breaking the deadlock before doubling the lead soon after from Willsy and Stu. 2–0 and cruising… or so it seemed.

Mossdale pulled one back from a corner after some sloppy defending, whose man was it, many debated post match over a pint of Caffrey’s but this set up a nervy finish at 2–1.

And when the pressure came late on, Jim stepped up again - pulling off more solid saves to make sure Bosworth held on and got over the line. Proper keeper performance.

With legs going and the heat taking its toll, Eddy turned to the bench. Griffo came on and immediately started organising everyone… before completely abandoning his own instructions and marking centre midfielder. Leadership at its finest from the centre back playing the 10 role behind the strikers. A momentary lapse.

Sammon added energy late on and slid in attempt to finish a cross, shades of Gazza 96, while Chad - despite doing a solid job running the line remained an unused superstar.

After what felt like forever, the ref blew for full time. Bosworth through to the semi finals.

The celebrations got so lively that the ref had to hunt the lads down in the pub afterwards to collect his match fee. Dedication.

Hutch’s favourite part of the day:

The heat map, a thing of beauty. Covering every blade of grass like a man possessed, either incredible work rate or completely lost, we’ll let you decide. Note the red arrow pointing at the bushes, this was either from the full back sending him to the gym with a big shove off the pitch or him taking a moment to water the dandelions.

Hutch’s Heatmap

Special shoutout to Bosworth ultra Noah Griffiths, flag waving, noise making, and giving his dad (Big Griffo) absolute grief before enjoying the banter back in the pub and indiscreetly telling a dirty joke for all to enjoy, truly one of our own and one who will represent in 20 years time.

Final Score: Mossdale 1 – 2 AFC Market Bosworth

Player of the Match: A decision between Dicko, Stu, Willsy or Jim for all providing important moments, blocks, tackles, saves or goals but DOVF went for Willsy, stepped into midfield, added steel and got the game going with the first goal. Limped off at the end after making an important tackle.