Cup Fever Reaches Boiling Point as Tattons Cup Dream ends in Tatters
The Davenham hotshots hosted a pulsating League Cup Quarter final, and claimed a narrow victory over 1st Division, Egerton Tatton a game which left the Moss farm faithful biting their nails (those that were left from the previous week) right down to the last kick of the game and the final whistle.
Despite playing in a division below Tatton, the 2nd Division underdogs, Davenham started the game full of passion, confidence and a real belief that they could win by taking the game to their opponents. The Goldmen won the early exchanges, and with a defensive quartet of Wadsworth, Antrobus, Hill and Greenwood keeping their discipline and formation well, the midfield had licence to attack in numbers, with Rogerson and Heaword making great progress down the flanks.
After 10 minutes, Kirkness played a deft ball into the path of the pacey Kennerley who burst past the Egerton defence to launch a curling shot inches over the bar so close and the cup fever was starting to rise! Minutes later, Wadsworth played in an inch perfect pass to Kirkness who replicated Kennerleys effort and once more a good chance grazed the crossbar. Rogerson and Heawood continued to look dangerous and following an excellent driving run into the box, Heawood pulled his shot into the side netting. Whitney and Drinkwater dominated the aerial battle in midfield and following relentless pressure, a number of forced corners kept up the attacking momentum for the men in Gold and Black. Following one of these corners, Wadsworth latched onto a half clearance and a low drive was deflected around the post (weve seen those go in!!). Tatton remained a threat though, especially as quite a number of petty freekicks were uncharacteristically conceded by Davenham. The Tatton No.9 (who had a great game), lofted a number of really dangerous balls into the Davenham penalty area, but Antrobus and Hill coped comfortably with everything that was thrown at them. There was great excitement on the touchline as the game ebbed and flowed, before Whitney muscled himself into a shooting position and launched a lob which dipped just under the crossbar 1:0 to the Davenhamers and the home team touchline (and the Lowerys!!) erupted! A deserved lead, but the game was deemed to be very much alive. Again Davenham looked dangerous from set piece play (including those now famous Greenwood throws) probably the pick of the bunch being an Antrobus freekick, which was well saved by the very able Tatton stopper (who like the No.9, put in a very accomplished performance). Then a little naivety in defence, saw Davenham the wrong side of the Tatton attack and an excellent cross was converted. 1:1 and a real sucker punch for the Davenham Dream team. There was no further score going into halftime, but Davenham could consider themselves a little unlucky not to have used the tail wind to great effect and be leading by two or three.
A rousing halftime team talk saw Davenham take to the 2nd half with gusto. There was very little between the two sides and with a semi final the prize, the excitement was at boiling point. Antrobus and Hill typified the Davenham determination, but for the opening fifteen the teams seemed to cancel each other out with both defences holding firm; and Davenham working their socks off, into the blustery wind. Davenham started to run out of ideas, which prompted a change in tactic and formation. Kirkness bolstered the midfield to add more of a physical presence and guile on the ball, while Drinkwater enhanced the attack with his powerful, pacey forward play. The change had an instant impact as Kirkness played in Kennerley who squared the ball for Drinkwater to thump home 2:1, and unbelievable scenes as the fans celebrated their slender lead. Tatton hit back and put the Davenham defence under pressure and despite added energy from Stitch and Buzzer, a superb shot from Egerton, beat Danno and struck the inside of the post. Lady luck was shining down on the Goldmen. The last 10 minutes was all about Davenham holding on under pressure, with Lonsdale storming into tackles up until the final whistle and Danny Wallwork making a couple of outstanding saves and finally.. to the relief of Davenham, the final whistle went. The 2nd division outfit had triumphed and a semi final place along with Egerton, Witton Albion and Winnington, their prize. There was no out and out MOTM awarded today the whole team were outstanding, but special praise for Hill, Antrobus and Wallwork simply the best and continuing to inspire the meanest defence in the league.
We hope that the Tatton camp isnt too disappointed as they played a big part in a very exciting, sporting game which couldve gone either way.
Tatton Managers Text Good luck to everyone at Davenham, especially the players You earned your semi final place, I hope you go all the way
Assist: Kennerley
Cleansheet: Burrows, Whitney, Stitch
-- Edited by Phil Rogerson on Thursday 26th of January 2012 04:03:53 PM
