Avon Plate F.C.

"play up Plate"

Match reports for Season 2000/2001

06/05/01
Charles Finch Cup Final

Avon Plate 2 : 2 Shield & Dagger

Avon Plate 3 : 2 Shield & Dagger
(after extra time)

Half Time 2:1
Scorers: Jack Sant 12, 98mins, Yos David 42mins

Plate's Cup Runneth Over
by Comrade Hemmingway, Official Football or Death Reporter

"...Ee-Ay-Ardio We've Gone And Won The Cup..."

What a game, what day, what a team! Avon Plate beat 1st Division opposition this sunday to win the Charles Finch Cup at their first attempt, capping a wonderful season for the boys from The Bush. In front of a passionate but good-natured crowd who basked in the cup final day sunshine Avon Plate finally overcame Shield & Dagger in extra time, the winning goal fittingly scored by the live-wire Jack Sant making him top scorer for the season.

Plate were never behind during the game but had to withstand long periods of pressure, particulaly in the second half when a strong wind was against them.

Shield & Dagger started well and forced keeper Bill Brisley into a fine save as early as the third minute. Much of the opening quarter was played in the Plates half but, as so often this season, a quick break led to a goal. A long ball was half-controlled by Yos David who managed to lay off a pass to Tony Bowles. Bowlesy, starting in the centre of midfield with Matt Proctor, slid a diagnol ball behind the defence into the path of Jacko whose shot was parried right-handed by the keeper. Jack got to the loose ball only to be thwarted by the keeper for a second time yet the striker was not to be denied and once again was first to react, smashing his shot high into the net.

Unfortunately the crowd had hardly had time to finish celebrating before the equaliser came, a drive from just outside the box giving Bill no chance.

With 25 minutes gone the Plate suffered a further setback when Jerry White was forced off with a thigh injury after a hefty challenge from the Shields left midfieder. It was a bitter blow for the influential Plate winger who had been a virtual ever present throughout the season. Manger Neil Boulton switched Proctor to the right and brought on Columbian star Drew Collins to add extra power in the centre, a move that was to quickly prove effective. With the half time whistle approaching Collins won the ball in midfield and fed Yos running through the middle of the Shield defence. The striker hit the bouncing ball early, left footed, beating the keeper to his right and sparking more mad celebrations on the bench and in the stands.

Half Time 2 : 1

Looking to up the fight in the centre of midfield Boulton made another tactical swich at half time, putting on Andy Bowles for Dan Thomas and moving Tony out to the left. However with only minutes gone the worst happened. The Plate failed to defend a corner from the right and the ball found it's way to a Shield striker who buried his shot from around the penalty spot. 2-2 and now the Shield had their tails up forcing Plate onto the back foot. Time and again in this period the back three of Mike Marsh, James Masters and Tom Tommo Thomas stood firm against wave after wave of attack, clearing they're lines as Shield continued to pump long balls into the channels. Avon Plate just couldn't hold onto the ball in midfield or up front resulting in more pressure being heaped on the back three and the supporting Chris Thomas.

On occasion the Plate rode their luck. They were thankful for a series of tame shots and spectacular last ditch defending, and once again Big Bill was to prove his value to the team with a succession of good saves. With 15 mins to go Boulton threw on some fresh legs in the shape of Mark Spearpoint replacing Marshy who had run and shouted himself into the ground but was still loathe to leave the fray.

Full Time 2 : 2

As soon as extra time began it was apparent that the Plate were not going to allow the opposition to have things all their own way. Inspired by the back room staff of Boulton, Butt and Fowgies and the tremendous vocal support from the stands, the team began to put some passing movements together. By piling people forward in the second half Shield had lost their shape and although they continued to push forward in extra time the Plate began to look dangerous themselves using the extra space in midfield to free Proctor and Tony Bowles. Just before the break, Tony cut in from the left and launched a long ball into the Shield half. Once more Jacko out paced the defence and cooly lobbed the advancing keeper to deliver the knock out blow. All over the pitch Shield players dropped totheir knees, the balance of power had decisively shifted.

In the second half of extra time there was still moments when Shield looked certain to claw their way back into the game but chances were missed and at the other end The Plate were cutting through the remnants of the Shield rearguard at will. Jack and Matt both had chances to seal the game before Matt again shot just wide after turning 3 defenders inside out with a trademark dribble. By now players all over the pitch were hobbling into position or going down with cramp. There was time for one more close call as a Shield header grazed the Plate cross bar but it was not to be for the Shield & Dagger boys and they knew it. The whistle went, the underdogs had done it and the celebrations were only just beginning...

Avon Plate 3 : 2

Click here for photos from the big day!

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