21/11/09 - League Cup

Ham Rec 3  Portland Utd 2 (AET)

Who would have thought that after all the recent rain Rec would play a home game in terrible conditions!! Thanks to Canford school for allowing us the use of their facilities to fulfil the fixture. Those who have been in the dressing room will be aware that many of the lads were educated at this school as the intelligence of this squad is immense!!

The wind was much to Rec’s advantage in the 1st period although they played their usual passing game which caused our visitors problems. The Portland keeper kept them in the game early on with a succession of fine saves. Eventually Dan Manuel took a free kick way out on the right which he struck beyond the hapless keeper to give Rec the lead; 1-0. It looked like the Green Army would go on to make the match safe with the chances being created but they could not get a 2nd goal before the break.

With the conditions deteriorating and Portland having the wind behind them the visitors got a grip of the second period. Kevin Leonard had to be alert and concentrating at all times, which he did, with Portland testing him on several occasions. The visitors were awarded a penalty with 10 mins remaining which they scored to set up a nervy finish; 1-1.

By now the game was becoming a lottery with the conditions. Rec supporters had taken refuge under a 50ft oak tree behind the Portland goal and in the 89th minute were perfectly situated to watch Rich Sands place the ball to take a penalty awarded after a foul on Jamie Moores. Nobody knows where the ball ended up but it cleared the goal, our supporters, the tree and Merley!!

Extra time saw Mark Dykes make his Ham Rec debut and give the tiring lads a lift. Mike Notley pounced to put the hosts ahead in an end to end cut and thrust final half hour; 2-1. Portland were not finished and looked to have earned themselves a replay when they equalized with minutes remaining; 2-2.  A free kick found Moores unmarked and he slammed the ball home to put the greens into the quarter finals much to Portland’s annoyance and much to Rich Sands relief!!

A great effort from the lads on the pitch and thanks to all those who braved the weather to watch.