This weeks game saw us take a break from league action with a home fixture against premier league opposition Woodlands, in the quarter final of the Presidents Cup.
 
Playing a team from a higher division this was always going to be a difficult game but at the same a great opportunity to see how far we have come this year. With Lewis and Gary getting call ups to the first team and Jack suffering an ankle injury we were pleased to welcome back Ben Bridges from injury and Leon Piscina from holiday.
 
We started the game with J Faulkner in goal. A back four of Thompson, Herbert, Chambers and Bridges. The midfield lined up with Poore, Bowen, M Faulkner and Tuema. With Rosier and Warner in attack. Subs this week were Hunt, Tadmor, Piscina and Gurney.
 
After winning the toss for the third week in a row we decided to play against the elements in the first half.
 
The game stared off as a fairly even affair as both teams struggled to get into their stride. Unfortunately for us the visitors settled the quicker and had the best of the opening exchanges. It probably came as no surprise to those watching when Woodlands took the lead. A surging run down the left saw the Woodlands winger find the back of the net.
 
This seemed to be the kick start that we needed and slowly but surely we began to play ourselves into the game. Following a long ball forward Rosier raced in behind the visitors backline and although they did recover, the Invicta frontman held his nerve to score when under pressure.
 
As half time approached a corner from the left was played into the Woodlands penalty area and appeared to strike a defenders hand on its way through. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot in what seemed a harsh decision.
 
Warner stepped up and thumped the ball into the roof of the net!
 
Leading at half time 2-1, we felt that we had done very well, considering we had battled against the wind and slope, however we were keen to point out that the job was by no way over and that the second period was going to be even harder.
 
That is exactly the way it turned out. Woodlands came out a lot more determined for the second 45, pushing more men forward in an attempt to take the game to us. They managed to score the equaliser early in the half as yet again we took a long while to get going.
 
Thankfully just like the first half we did and after Piscina had replaced Warner on the hour mark we again took the lead. A low corner from Tuema found its way to Piscina who turned and shot into the roof of the net.
 
Once again though with the game seemingly won, we took our foot of the pedal and with 10 minutes remaining we conceeded a sloppy goal. With the impetus now with Woodlands they knew that they had a great chance to go on and win the game, which is exactly what they did. With time running out a a deep cross was not dealt with at the far post leaving the Woodlands striker to nod into an empty net.
 
With no time for a reply, the referee blew the final whistle and Woodlands were left to celebrate a 4-3 success.
 
Without wanting to be too hard on us i don't really think that we did ourselves justice today as we had a great opportunity to cause a major upset and progress through to the semi finals. Sadly a number of errors and lack of any real urgency cost us dear. However we can be proud of the way we made Woodlands fight to get their victory.
 
Next week we are back to the league program and a home fixture against The Hilberts.