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Quilligans FC's long unbeaten record stretching over 12 months finally came to an
end in Blackburn as perennial top side Mill Hill edged the Lancashire FA Trophy tie 2-1.
Quilligans were rightly gutted about last weeks postponement. Just 7 days later, and no less than five players who were due to play the previous week were missing this game. The entire midfield of Baird, Pearson and Clarke were away, Dell and Waddington were absent due to Saturday football, with Waddington returning to AFC Fylde after the management change there.
The first half was a very tight affair, neither side were able to open up their opponents. Quilligans though probably shading it on half chances as a number of strikes from outside the box failed to trouble the home keeper.
As the second half kicked off, you always felt that the first goal would be crucial in such a tight game, and Mill Hill got it. A cross whipped in from the right after 48 minutes, Smithy somewhat blinded by the brilliant sunshine had a flap at the cross and the Frendy lookalike (left footer too) smashed in the loose ball.
Mill Hill then settled down to play some good stuff and were worthy of their lead. As Quilligans poured forward, gaps appeared and they made it 2-0 after 62 minutes to put a stranglehold on the tie.
As most teams do at 2-0 up they then decided to sit back and soak up the pressure. Luckily for them some poor final balls and decent defending from their centre backs held Quilligans at bay.
Skipper Phil Thompson gave Quilligans a lifeline with just 5 minutes left smashing the ball home from close range, Quilligans then threw everything forward with Fordy and Tommo pushing up front in search of the equaliser.
The anxiety of Mill Hill was exemplified by their linesman raising his flag at every possible opportunity, cutting short a couple of promising Quilligans moves. Even trying to flag as Paul Carrol was delivering his dangerous long throws into the box, although the ref had seen through him by then and ignored him.
Mill Hill hung on at the end and in all fairness deserved to progress in to the last 16 of the cup.
On reflection a fair result over the 90 minutes. Quilligans did not do enough to win the game, the absence of the regular midfield trio proving crucial on the day. The passing and decision making were nowhere near good enough as possession was constantly given away cheaply.
The effort from the lads was certainly there but at this stage of the competition you need more than that. You need composure and quality in key areas and you need to make the most of attacking opportunities. We didn't do that, and in the end it was our undoing.
Good luck to Mill Hill in the competition, Littleborough away is certainly winnable for them, Lostock, or the more probable on current form Greenlands, in the quarters is a different kettle of fish and will be tough.
Team
Smith, Braebaum, Carroll, Ford, Watt, Butler, Thompson (c), Dickinson, Greenall, Spedding, Beattie.
Substitutes
Moore, Douthwaite, Bracewell.
Scorers
Thompson.
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