The Cup Run Continues for UEAFC!

UEAFC beat Bedford University 2-0 to take them through to the last-16 of the Midlands Conference Cup


UEAFC controlled this cup match throughout, dominating both possession and corner counts. Lining out in a 4-4-1-1 system the ‘Yellows’ overran the Bedford team, and looked dangerous in attack at all times with Stef Pachnis and Chris Martey hugging the wings, and Perry Richards leading the attack. UEAFC looked sound in possession throughout, and kept their shape well, whenever the ball broke lose Samuel Harle or Ryan Chapman would drop back and guard the back-four whilst the defence always looked sound and, in truth, goalkeeper Alex Kibbey was far from troubled.

As it was though, the breakthrough for UEA was slightly lucky coming from a bad punch by the Bedford goalkeeper which landed at the feet of Pachnis who bundled it into the empty net. It was more than deserved for the ‘Yellows’ though, as they had come close numerous times previously. The narrow scoreline at half time was not indicative of the play on the pitch, and heading into the second half UEA found their rhythm again straight away.

UEAFC are through to the next round of the cup

Multiple corners and crosses from the wing phased the Bedford defence, and after a well-worked short corner that left the Bedford back-four for dead Jon Bacon looked to have made it 2-0 to the ‘Yellows’ but saw his header come off the crossbar. Bedford didn’t heed this warning though as moments later Bacon did get his goal, after a lovely ball floated in from Chapman was met well by the centre-back. Bedford did get up the pitch at times, and had one good chance after good footwork around the box led to a shot that just floated wide of the post. This may have been down to UEA relaxing somewhat after the second goal went in but they soon gee’d themselves up and were off up the pitch again.

Another corner led to a shot from Samuel Harle that was brilliantly cleared off the line. Testament to how the ‘Yellows’ were controlling the game and frustrating their opponents some rough tackles were thrown in by Bedford, Stef Pachnis on the end of a particularly nasty one after being played through. Bizarrely the referee only cautioned the Bedford defender for what was surely a red-card offence, but it led to a free kick that was cannoned off the post by Ryan Chapman. It would have been a brilliant third, but alas it wasn’t to be and UEA played the rest of the game out comfortably, to take them through to the next round.

*Disclaimer- Unfortunately I was unable to attend the second half, however I have tried to give as accurate a report as possible.