2 groups of 4 meant 3 group games with the top 2 going through to the semi finals.
Strollers started well in their 1st game against Winstanley Walkers and dominated the 1st half. Gerry Monaghan hit the bar but we couldn’t get the breakthrough. HT 0-0. Early in the 2nd half with only their 2nd shot on target Winstanley took the lead. In a more even 2nd half Strollers couldn’t find the net despite having 8 or 9 shots on target in the game. FT 0-1.
In the 2nd game against Woodnesborough it seemed only a matter of time before Strollers scored. We hit the woodwork twice and thought we’d scored with the referee having given the goal only for the linesman to disallow for not walking. A decision which was to prove very costly! 2 minutes from the end Will Barrett did score to break the deadlock. FT 1-0.
So to the 3rd game vs Bolton who had won their first 2 games and a game Strollers had to win as Winstanley were expected to get their 2nd win in their final game vs Woodnesborough. A really good game with Strollers hitting form and beating the strongest opponents in their group with goals from Gerry Monaghan and Graham Curry helping give us a 2-1 win.
Unfortunately 3 teams ended the group on 6 points and we had the worst goal difference (by 1 goal) so didn’t progress to the semis.
The team put in a great effort and played some excellent football. The players can all be proud of their performances and can hold their heads high. Reaching the National Finals is an achievement in itself.
Matchday squad was:-
John Hutchins
Tony Fisher
Graham Curry
Gerry Monaghan
Will Barrett
David Kelby
Nic Poletti
Chris Keirl
Comments