Defeat in this game and the Foxes' 11 a-side season would be over. Despite sitting top of the League, the fact that Wickwar have two games in hand, either of which should allow them to acquire the points they need to take the title meant that the Cup was the home side's realistic hope of silverware.
The boys were reminded to enjoy the game - a perfect pitch, a blue sky, a strong opposition and playing as part of a very talented team in a Cup game is about as good as it gets - and quite clearly they took that message to heart. A bit of a tactical shuffle at the start to take into account Wickwar's man-marking of Omar worked a treat as the Foxes dominated the first 30 minutes, playing positive, passing football which resulted in two well-taken goals by Dom Riley and a couple of other chances that could have been taken. At the other end Wickwar's more direct style caused few problems although Owen was forced to amke one good block.
Wickwar pushed players forward at the start of the second half and looked to drive the Foxes back. Owen was called on to make two or three good saves - one down to his left was exceptional - but as Wickwar pressed it allowed the Foxes chances of their own and the game could have been closed out earlier than it was. As it turned out, Wickwar grabbed one back as a midfielder reacted first to a long shot and a good save to bundle the ball home.
On the side-lines memories surfaced of last year's Cup semi-final, where the Foxes let a two goal lead slip but the boys didn't allow any nerves to affect them and Omar grabbed a third after yet another great team move. Even more chances came and went, with at least two goal line clearances by Wickwar before, with minutes to go, a scramble led to a second for the away side. Nerves did kick in at this point and when, in the last minute, Owen had no choice but to handle a back pass, the visitors had an indirect free kick in the penalty box, The kick was taken and blocked and the ref ordered it to be retaken. Same routine. Same outcome. The ball was cleared and celebrations ensued.
On the day the Foxes were too good for Wickwar. We didn't kill the game as we should and the visitors never gave up, but the team-spirit, the quality of the football and the discipline over 80 minutes meant that the Foxes deserved their win. Performances were strong throughout the team, with the bench providing quality and fresh legs throughout. Dom Riley was Coaches' Player and Owen Players' Player but in truth the coaches would have happily given an award to each and everyone of the squad. Great performance and a great bunch of lads.
Now the semi-final....C'mon the Foxes.
Saturday 19 March 2016
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