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FULHAM DEAF 3
WESTMINSTER CASUALS 3
Sunday 17 August 2008
Joe Maughan's first game in his second coming as Casuals manager ended all square as his team came from two goals down with just ten minutes remaining to share the FDFC/WCFC Shield.
An 86th minute strike from former gaffer Grant Payne ensured the Casuals retained the silverware they won in such style twelve months ago but this was a very different match against an impressive, athletic Fulham side that spurned several chances to put the game beyond reach before the visitors late comeback.
It appeared normal service would be resumed when Payne capped a bright opening period for the Casuals when he latched onto Ian Hardy's through ball before cooly slotting under the Fulham keeper.
However Fulham levelled the scores before the break when a wayward Dave Brain pass from the back was intercepted and the Fulham striker ran through and drove past Lofty Wolsey at his near post.
Ayad Sarraf's young side took the lead after the break with a powerful left footed shot into the bottom corner but within minutes Jim Paley missed a great opportunity to level the scores when he crashed Michael Rootes' cross from the right onto the crossbar from close range.
Fulham then made the score 3-1 when Russell Hughes was adjudged to have pushed Ben Lampert in the box and the resulting penalty was despatched past Wolsey.
At this stage the Casuals were well and truly on the rack and only a last ditch block by Tom Crowley, a superb reaction save from Wolsey and some poor finishing prevented Fulham extending their lead.
The battling Casuals made them pay for their profligacy when Rootes ran onto Payne's pass and chipped the keeper from 25 yards and then returned the compliment just five minutes later when he crossed for Payne to volley past the Fulham keeper from close range to restore parity and share the spoils.
DADS THE WAY TO DO IT: Goalscorers Rulo and Payney with their daughters Maughan, who took no part in the game himself, made a number of rolling substitutions thorought and was delighted with the contributions of debutants Paul Stroud, Kit Welsh and Kieran McGibney.
Though pleased with his teams attitude and fighting spirit, Joe will know there is plenty of work to be done before the Casuals are ready for the start of the SSEC Division One season.
The Casuals' next friendly may take place on Wednesday 27th but this will be confirmed within the next few days.
Line Up:
Wolsey
Brain Mortimore Stroud Hughes
Rootes Paley Skelly Holder
Payne Hardy
Subs: Tom Crowley, Kit Welsh, Kieran McGibney ........................................................................................................ |
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