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0-1 7th May 2008 at 7:30 PM

Over Sports : Cliff Bullen Challenge Cup FINAL match

Whatever will be, will be.

So, as we near the end of the season, it looks like we are going to be empty handed as far as winning trophies are concerned. But I'll tell you what, if someone had told me, as we began pre-season training, that we'd end up as league runners up, and runners up in the prestigious Cliff Bullen challenge trophy, I would have accepted that as more than an acceptable season. The previous manager left us in the lurch by resigning the day before training began. We then discovered that most of last seasons team had agreed to go elsewhere. Mark Columbus and Steve Holden took over and set about putting a new team together.  In all signing around 8 or 9 new players. I think that all the regular supporters have been quite excited to seem this team develop as time has passed. Today was not our day for various reasons. However, I'd put money on this squad, with a few possible additions, winning more than one trophy next term.
As for today, well there was a slight re-shuffle. Jordan Lambert moved into the back line in place of the suspended Martyn Flack. Mark Columbus and Darren Bates returned to the midfield after suspension.. On the bench were Chris Tovey, Jason Mannion, Sam Tarrent, Andy Smith and Steve Holden.
The Over manager Dave Lill looked as though he had done his homework and it soon became obvious that their intention was to get close to us all over the field and stop from passing the ball through them and also cutting out our wingers. If they were able to do this long enough and keep a clean sheet they may have a chance of scoring from a set piece. That's exactly what happened.. Early on Buster Harradine went close from a Darren Bates cross, when it looked to easier to score than miss and Jordan Lambert hit the post. This really did not seem to matter too much as we were so much on top. From a rare Over corner a good delivery found several players charging from the edge of our box for one to find himself unmarked to rocker home a header. Half time 0-1.
Overs long ball game is always difficult to play against, and not pretty to watch. Another problem with it is their opposition find themselves having to play in the same way, as the ball becomes like a hot potato, to hot to hold in case you lose it. Changes had to be made and Chris Tovey replaced the injured skipper Chris Smith. The referee who to be fair, was not really up to it, began throwing cards around. It must be said however that he had little option other than book Chris Tovey for a professional foul. Darren Bates was booked after being denied an absolutely certain penalty, this was down to the referees failure to do his job which resulted in the players frustration. Chris Tovey received a second yellow for an insignificant foul and was sent off. This was soon after Darren Bates had also departed after receiving a two yellows for nothing to serious. Game over well done to the referee. Talking of bookings, the outstanding Mark Columbus was booked in the first half after an Over player was allowed by the referee to re enter play after injury and went straight in and kicked Mark. Soon afterwards Mark was booked for no more than a hard tackle on the same player.
I know that the referee made the comment that these were all down to our players lack of discipline. Well Mr referee, you watched our game on Saturday, a game that was well refereed, no discipline problems there then.
Anyway well done to Over, you got the goal and so deserved to win.
Just watch this team go next season. Thanks to everyone who came to watch.