Match Report: Tony Kopp Cup Final (Gorings Mead) by Chris Baker
Monday 15 April 2019
AFC Gatwick v Southwater Royals FC.
A loud and large crowd enjoyed a lively game between these 2 sides. Not sure that AFC Gatwicks Div 5 League position was a true reflection of their team!
Royals has some good chances in the first half and how we didn’t go into half time 3-2 up was a mystery. We had two chances on the line that we couldn’t quite convert and James CG had an overhead kick just go wide.
Gatwick scored with a long ball over the top which was converted and a volley from a corner, this saw them 2 nil up at the break. However, Royals were well in the game and there was optimism going into the second half.
Gatwick played quite deep in the second half and it was mostly Royals possession throughout the half. We had two legitimate penalty claims rejected and they tried to hit us on the break with their very quick forward three.
But overall we limited them to few chances. It seemed that every time we had a chance the ball fell kindly to their keeper and bounces could have been luckier for Royals.
Controversially, their goalie came out to clear a through ball and did some outrageous play acting claiming he had been caught. He was booked for this and probably could have been sent off. Royals continued to pile on the pressure with a number of quality crosses but we just couldn’t convert.
The game finished with a 2 nil defeat, but if it was a boxing match we would have won on a point’s. A great effort from the team and we went home disappointed but proud of their effort and the display. Onwards and upwards with regards to the League and also the second cup final.
COYSR!!!! We can still do the double!
