Earlier this season, we probably produced our best defensive performance when beating Westside away - but this time round in the cup, we gifted them goals that eventually cost us. We did come into the game again missing a host of players, especially at centre back, meaning Shep had to once again move from centre forward to the backline.
From the start, it was clear this would be a tough day for football - gale force winds and driving rain persisted throughout the 90 minutes. Westside started confidently, stroking the ball around at will, but we had the first chance when Jayden bundled his way clear but was denied by the keeper. Soon after Baba had a sniff, but shot tamely at the keeper, before we gifted goal number one. A poor pass out of defence left us exposed and a challenge was needed in the box that saw their striker tumble a little easily - but the ref pointed to the spot. Gary got a hand to it, but we were 1-0 down.
Literally minutes later it was two, poor marking at a corner saw them bundle home. It looked a long way back at that point, but we struck almost straight away - Jack played Alex clear and his first time shot took the keeper by surprise to open his account for the club.
From then on we did OK, both teams hamstrung by the weather, but with the wind second half we started off purposefully - before yet another gift saw us give away possession and a pot shot from outside the box struck our bar and their striker somehow missed the follow up. The reprieve didn’t last long - a short back pass from Jeremy saw Adam and Gary lost in translation and their winger simply clipped the ball over the latter and it felt like game over.
We had the welcome sight of Boorman returning and more minutes from Liam, and the former gave us a chance. By now Shep had moved up top and his perseverance saw the ball fall to Boorman on the edge and he scored with a peach of a finish. We had 8 minutes to take the game to extra time, but we just couldn't create that one gem of a chance - until Jeremy hit from range and it rattled the crossbar.
But it was another 3-2 defeat in a cup following last week’s county exit and now the season is all about getting a fit squad back together to attempt to get into the promotion frame.

GOALS: Alex Brennan, Jack Boorman