With the club stretched over the weekend with unprecedented injuries, holidays and work events all 3 teams would be looking to the youth and inexperienced to get them through.

The reserves arrived at Emsworth FC with 5 u18s and 4 players on debut. A lot of pressure was put on skipper for the day Sean O'kane and Russ Curtis making his 200th appearance for the club to bring the boys together on the pitch and guide them through a tough 90 mins. The team talk was rudimental at best with the gaffer meeting so many boys for the first time. The pattern of play so familiar, with the regulars, would still be put into action with back up plan 2 and 3 put in place . In the early stages it was clear Emsworth had ability on the ball and would have the lions share of the possession so plan 2 was put into operation which nearly brought rewards in the following 2 mins with both Mario and younis going close . On the 20th min Emsworths number 6 who was a stand out player pulled strings and it looked as though he opened up TD like the red sea . 1- 0 Emsworth. TD could have shelled up at this point However Younis wouldn't accept that and started bullying Emsworth and they could not handle him, he brought others into play and the link up work with himself ,Mario, Leon and the now possessed Freddie Flannigan was as good as it gets. Younis's tireless work , driving at Emsworth saw the ball pop up in the air and Freddie dominated there oppos 6 yard box smashing 3 defenders out the way to powerfully header home. HT 1-1

The second half Emsworth came out like a ball in a China shop with there ears still ringing they pinned TD back. TD would now play a little more on the break and on 52 mins marios dancing feet and persistence lead to TD taking the lead for the first time 1 - 2.
The second half saw Emsworth push TD back and defend with a steely determination. Finn Mott growing each game was exceptional, Sean composed as ever, Ginger ninja throwing his body on the line and the TDs original cat making two wonderful saves. On the 70th min Mario broke through like lightning mcqueen and slot a ball across the box that Jamal looked favourite to score, some how Emsworth player managed to get a last ditch touch to save his team , Emsworth countered with speed to bring it level at 2- 2. fine margins in football as TD were so close to extending thier lead.
The rest of the half followed the same pattern as TD broke on Emsworth every chance they got as Jamal, Younis and Mario ran themselves into the ground , Russ putting in some big tackles ,Wardy working his socks off. final whistle 2-2 either side could have taken the points but honours were even.

Gaffer said " I told the boys it was sink or swim time before ko, the little beautys swam like dolphins"
A well earned point away against a good team away from home. Younis was nailed on for MOM until sin binned which could have been costly. luckily it wasn't so the cat pipped young Flannigan on this occasion for MOM

MOM Harry Charman