There was a feeling of déjà vu from Leicester as Falcons crashed out 2-0 in the semi-finals to eventual winners, Soho FC.
With Louis’s Friday night drinking resulting in a 7am text to the boss, Duncan happily stepped in to the 12 man squad. Up first was a goalless draw against Los Andes in a match that was relatively comfortable bar a last minute collision between Pete and Brady that saw Conal make a smart save.
Momentum started to build in the next two games as Soho were comfortably despatched 2-0. Dave and Juddy started to form a strong partnership up front and both found the back of the net.
It was Chris who again scored when Titans were defeated 1-0 in the next game. The same scoreline was enough to see off Stonewall when Abdul, playing his first competitive football for the club, scored early on with a deflected shot.
The group finished with a goalless draw against the impressive Soho Warriors team in a game with multiple chances at back ends.
Reminiscent of the Leicester Tournament a month ago, Falcons topped Group A with no goals conceded and looking strong for a final place. That was only enhanced with victory in the quarter finals. Chris hit an amazing dipping volley from distance just 15 seconds into the game and was unfortunate to see his shot hit the underside of the bar but Dave was on hand to smack in the rebound to give us the 1-0 win.
Sadly, that was as good as it got. A repeat of the group stage saw Soho as the opposition in the semi finals. Falcons hit the bar early on and had several other chances while looking comfortable at the back. Then, with two minutes left, disaster struck in defence as a miscommunication led to our first goal conceded in the tournament. This was compounded in the final minute when a long ball wasn’t dealt with and the Soho striker headed cleverly over Conal in goal to send the hosts through to the final that they would go on to win.
So, disappointment at not reaching the finals after being so impressive up to the final game and also disappointing to lose at the semi final stage for the second tournament running. That said, it was an enjoyable afternoon on Coram’s Fields and a good chance to get some valuable pitch time for some of the guys who haven’t featured as much this season.
Post-match, the boys did their thing in the bar at Rupert Street as a ridiculous number of shots went down before Elliot decided to bring in the Veuve. The night finished with Elliot hearing voices in the middle of a two hour trip back home to Greenwich after remembering a little bit too late that he no longer lived in Clapham, Kieran doing his usual disappearing act and Brady and Jack finishing things off at The Two Brewers.
Well done to everyone who played. Let’s see how we get on next Saturday in the London Titans Tournament on Wandsworth Common.
Squad: Conal, Brady, Duncan, Jack, Ritchie, Elliot, Pete, John, Abdul, Callum, Dave, Chris J
Scorers: Chris (2), Dave (2), Abdul
