Homerton and Selwyn Storm into Cuppers Semis

Division 2 sides Homerton and Selwyn shocked last year’s Cuppers finalists Catz and Jesus to reach the semis. Read more here

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Selwyn 2 -1 Jesus (aet)

Jesus, though missing seven of their first choice XI, were nevertheless confident of rolling over their opponents after their thrilling win against Fitz in the last round.

Yet it was the underdogs who were first to get on the score sheet; following a fizzing cross-cum-shot “Fox in the box” Dave Hawes knocked in the rebound to give Selwyn the lead midway through the first half.

Jesus found an equaliser just before half-time. After good build-up play, the ball was played over the top and Nick Parkes showed a great turn of pace, breezing past the Selwyn defence before coolly finishing into the bottom corner.

Chances were few and far between in a goalless second half. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Jesus lacked creativity in the final third and never really tested the Selwyn keeper.

For the second week in a row Jesus were forced into extra time. The game looked as if it was heading towards penalties but with just 10 minutes to go Selwyn forward Ollie Temple fired the ball into the back of the net.

Jesus piled on the pressure in the final few minutes, desperately searching for an equaliser, but Selwyn held out to book themselves a place in the semi-finals.

 

Catz 0 – 1 Homerton

A boisterous crowd turned out in the freezing rain and snow to witness another heroic battle to victory from Homerton against last year’s Cuppers champions Catz.

Although there was little in the way of the flowing football that comprehensively humbled Girton, the away side’s defence was as assured as the fact that Jon Crook won’t be growing dreadlocks, and restricted Matt Stock FC to one or two clear-cut chances in the whole game.

It was a similar story up the other end. Despite good chances falling to John Gregson and Alex Seal, and a goal-line clearance that somehow denied Ryan Stevens from point-blank range, Homerton struggled to find the back of the net.

This was until the 78th minute, when a Kevin Nolan-esque drive picked out the long, slender figure of Steve “Finesse” Wildman, who beat his defender convincingly before coolly slotting home the winner through the legs of the sprawling Catz keeper.

The goal sparked a frenzy amongst Homerton’s travelling contingent, and emotions spilled over with a spectator pitch invasion.

Despite a late barrage of long balls and throws from a determined Catz side, the underdogs’ defence held strong and Homerton march on into the semis where they are set to face the winners of the match between Sidney and Downing.

On an interesting side-note, the game was postponed for 40 minutes after half time due to an impromptu autograph signing session from Homerton winger Richard Eggleston, who many of the home fans mistook for Cristiano Ronaldo after a first half display that combined the elegance of a young Emile Heskey with all the flair and pizzazz of a Marlon Harewood.


Remaining Quarter-Finals

Trinity vs Emma
Downing vs Sidney
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