FIFTH ROUND MATCHES – Semi-final + Finals
The semi-finals of the 2018/19 fAABI FA Cup saw some great action and a couple of stunning goals. The final was end-to-end with a late twist and penalty drama!
Semi-final 1
Gillingham 0 v 1 Southampton
The Mighty Gills of Kent took on the Saints of Hampshire. Steve and Alan (playing Southampton) were aptly pious and dev out in the application to the task in hand, and a splendid through ball was converted ‘on-the fly’, leaving the hapless Gillingham goalie no chance. Jonathan and Ben tried in vain to recover, but to no avail, and it was a Wembley destiny for Southampton.
Semi-final 2
West Ham United 1 v 0 Leeds United
Ben, being a Crystal Palace fan requested he play for Leeds rather than West Ham, and joined Alan (our resident Northerner) seeking to relive the glory days of Lorimer, Bremner and Hunter. It transpired that the rumours ‘Norman Hunter bites yer legs’ were mostly unfounded in this match, and West Ham took their opportunity to progress to the final. Some opportune inter-passing between Jonathan and Steve culminated in a fine goal and despite some close attempts at the other end, the Hammers will be blowing their Bubbles down Wembley way!
Final
Southampton 1 v 1 West Ham United (Southampton win 3-2 on penalties)
This time Ben avoided playing for West Ham by teaming up with Steve to represent Southampton. A fine goal saw the Saints off to a great start and by the time Jonathan and Alan had recovered it was nearly half-time. A really promising West Ham attack was developing, but Ben intercepted the ball in the penalty area and shepherded the ball out of play with some deftly placed flicks. The second half became become ever more open with four end-to-end moves happening within the space of 90 seconds. Eventually something had to give and it was Alan’s pinpoint ball to Jonathan’s striker that saw West Ham pull level. The final whistle blew, signifying the 2018/19 fAABI FA Cup would be decided on penalties.
It was tense, with all players scoring their first shots, however it was Ben who broke the deadlock with a fine save, and then an unstoppable penalty kick to win the cup for Southampton! The Saints marched in and burst the West ham bubbles!
The Southampton players celebrated early into the evening (but not late as we had to go home!)…
A special thanks to all who took part is the matches over the weeks, especially Jonathan, who volunteered whenever he could make it to referee, coach and play the ‘odd’ match when needed.
The final table of all the games played went down to the wire, with Jen pipping Alan on goal difference. Her prize is to look after the FA Cup trophy until the next time…
Final players table…
| Name | Pld | W | L | F | A | Pts |
| Jen | 25 | 20 | 5 | 41 | 26 | 60 |
| Alan | 39 | 20 | 18 | 46 | 43 | 60 |
| Steve | 28 | 18 | 10 | 44 | 36 | 54 |
| Bharat | 34 | 12 | 22 | 37 | 46 | 36 |
| Ben | 32 | 10 | 22 | 34 | 46 | 30 |
| Jonathan | 13 | 5 | 11 | 20 | 27 | 15 |
| Jon | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
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