At the business end of the season and traveling away to the impressive Shoe Makers FC, this tantalising quarter final in the “Stokes Cup” competition, was one the boys were looking forward to.

This game got underway with both teams feeling each other out for the first 15/20 mins. It was Bosie who managed to create the first clear chance with a well drilled pass sent out left by skipper Rory H who managed to pick out Nat F, who in turn slid a nice pass to the busy Rees M, turned his defender and pulled a quick shot at goal that was well saved by the towering home keeper.

With the home team arguing between themselves and AFC midfield (Dec, Rory and Charlie) controlling the midfield, it wasn’t long before opportunity two arrived. This time it was Dec who put a tantalising pass through to Ollie H who at full sprint got away from his marker and pulled the trigger on target and forced there keeper to pull off a second great save to keep this tie all square.

Shoemakers started to rally and at times, had phases of play that put Bosie under pressure. With Luke in goal he kept things tight with the back line having a great game in keeping there attack at bay. It’s was today’s POTM Rue G at right back who had the game of his life. This young 16 year old kept there 45 goal this season centre forward quiet and didn’t look out of place at all. A total amazing performance from Rue and one to definitely watch for the future.
Supported well by Harry T, Blake and Adie.

Half time 0-0.

The second half got underway and once again started in the same manner as the first half. Tight and compact from both teams, but a moment of lapse in concentration lead to Shoemakers taking the lead 1-0 from an own goal. Totally undeserved but the Bosie lads had been here before.

From the kick off Bosie got on the attack and it wasn’t long before Henry L picked up a pass from Charlie A and calmly slid Adeson in down the left. A great chance on goal but unfortunately put it over the bar. Bosie really started to ask a few questions and in search of the equaliser.

With the game drifting towards the 75th minute, Adeson picked up an interception and with the outside of his left foot, curled Nat F in on goal and Nat managed to square the ball across the six yard box that was just out the reach of Rees M. However, the follow through tackle on Nat was reckless and with a blow of his whistle the referee pointed to the spot for a well deserved penalty opportunity for AFC. With Shoemakers trying all of the usual tricks to reverse the referees decision, it was left to captain Rory H to step up and smash Bosie back into a 1-1 score line.

Game on with around 15 mins left.

This got the home team sweating and with their midfield dropping like flys the momentum felt like Bosie could pull off this great win.

Unfortunately with around 8/10 mins left, there was a mix up in the Bosie defence and Shoemakers manage to capitalise and nudge themselves back into the lead. 2-1.

5 minutes to go and Bosie went back on the attack from the restart but just couldn’t find that opening they were after. A well taken goal on the counter attack by the home team put this tie to bed and heads dropped as this match closed 4-1.

Not to be our day, but a commendable performance from this young group of men who done themselves proud for the badge of AFC.

Many thanks to the subs who didn’t manage to get on the pitch but being there did make all the difference.

We now re-focus and look forward to the 2 remaining league games that could result in finishing 3rd in our respective league. As well as looking forward to our county cup final on Wednesday 28th May, 7pm kick off time.

COYB boys!