Richies Blue Smash Peckham and Charge on to the Final

After all the rain we had a hurricane as the firsts put on an awesome display to easily win this Beckenham Hospital cup semi-final.

They were so much on top throughout that the ref could easily have blown up half an hour early and Peckham would probably not have complained. Manager Rich, as always, gave an inspired team talk, considering the bad luck we've encountered in the past three seasons in cup competitions. His words were well received and from the first whistle to the last we were faster, stronger and much more determined. Believe me, the scoreline flattered Peckham.

We set up for the match with a 4-4-2 formation and quickly adjusted to 3-5-2 pushing our opponents back. Our defence had Jason Kelly in goal, behind skipper Jack Roberts, Ricky Bolt and Jack Doherty. In midfield we had Lee Wilton, Tom Rolt, Tony Franklin, Troy Williams and Bobby McGuane. Our attack had Joe Crook and Brett Northover. Aaron Scott, Tom Mayfield and Robb Grogan all played much of the second half.

We opened the scoring after twenty minutes when an inch perfect corner by Joe was met by a magnificent far post thumping header from Ricky that almost broke the net. Rick's made a habit of scoring spectacular goals and was rewarded when the whole team leapt on him, crushing him on the bottom of a pyramid! He emerged slightly dazed, but the smile on his face said it all, he later received a black eye which probably didn't go down too well at home with his wedding just ten days away. Joe scored just after half time when he shot a twenty yarder, hitting the keeper on the chest and into the net. Swiftly followed by the ball of the match from him to Rob Grogan who, with his first touch, lost the centre half and his second a real bullet to settle the match.

I thought long and hard about the Man of the Match, but in reality all fourteen played out of their skin in a really powerful performance. Jay in goal never had to make a save but he gives so much confidence to the men in front of him by playing as a sweeper. Jack Doc is probably an inch shorter cos of the amount of ball he headed (he probably would fancy his chances against one of those wrecking balls on a crane), Ricky a true giant of a player (doesnt know the word loser). You all know my opinion of Jack Roberts (don't even think about leaving us Jack). Lee in every position he plays Mr 100%. The glue that holds everything together. Topps, never a bad ball, covers every inch of the park and the fulcrum of the side with more touches than anyone. Tony (this man could earn a lot of money at this game but never will as he can't resist the verbals), he wins headers and tackles against much bigger opponents. Can land a ball on a sixpence, with a heart as big as a lion. Troy a man you would pay to watch, more tricks than a magician. Pace to burn, spectacular goals. Bobby the horse, the fittest man on the planet totally destroyed Peckham with his pace and power (you wouldn't go into battle without him). He took a ball to the face that would have felled an ox, just shrugged it off. Aaron's only been back with us a short while and has quickly forced his way back in. He's only a kid but is more solid than men five years older, with a brain so quick he could be on the Chase (a proper player). Tom Mayfield, another very young man who is destined for much bigger things, plays the game the right way both technically gifted and big engine inside him. Brett playing better than ever, a ferocious shot with his trusty left foot, ran Peckham ragged and working really hard on his fitness and sharpness. Robb over twenty goals and a natural finisher a regular penalty box poacher. Joe our top scorer and probably the most gifted brain wise. He sees things like a snooker player two or three moves ahead and in this match alone one goal and two goal assists (class player). I must also mention Billy and Lucas both proper men who never complain when they are left out. The team is only as good as the squad and Rich has an uncanny knack of keeping everyone on their toes but happy to be part of a wonderful WINNING team.

Final Score - Beckenham Hospital Cup: Semi-final (09/05/12)

Peckham Town 0 - 3 Long Lane