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Quilligans took on Division 3A outfit FC Eden today in the 4th round of the Gledhill Trophy. The holders started kicking down the slope, with both sides playing some decent stuff at times, and it was apparent that FC Eden hadn't just come to make up the numbers and were causing Quilligans problems.
In a tight opening half it was 20 minutes before we had the first shot on target coming from FC Eden, but it was never going to trouble Clowes. Quilligans responded with a Sugden shimmy and shot but it was well over. Sugden then played a decent ball into the FC Eden area for Broadbent but he sidefooted wide.
FC Eden continued to press and won a free kick about 25 yards out, but the end result was poor - sailing wide of the upright. Moments later they had a penalty appeal turned down, but to be fair it looked more like a dive than any offence actually taking place.
Half-time 0-0 - a half devoid of clear-cut chances but a fair reflection of the 45 minutes played.
Quilligans got the second half underway and immediately went on the attack. A good jinking run from Ioannou ended with a good ball across the face of the FC Eden goal, but no-one was on hand to apply the finishing touch.
A rare fumble by Clowes nearly gave FC Eden a chance of taking the lead, but the loose ball was eventually cleared. They then had a second bite at the cherry when a clearnce by Clowes hit a FC Eden player, but luckily it went out for a goal kick.
Shortly after Quilligans took the lead. A quick free kick from Gorrie to Bracewell, who in turn then played it to Roberts. Roberts went on a trademark sortie upfield outpacing several FC Eden players before finishing with aplomb from an acute angle.
FC Eden pushed to get an equaliser, but were unable to breach the Quilligans defence with their two chances - one hitting the side netting and the other, a headed effort across the goal, going over. Sugden could have made it 2-0 for Quilligans but could only head into the arms of the FC Eden keeper.
Moving into the final third of the game, FC Eden had another penalty claim for handball turned down. Quilligans then had the ball in the net again, but was ruled out by the referee for a foul on the keeper. FC Eden then had their best chance of the match when they hit the bar with goal gaping, however, with 10 minutes left it was third time lucky with their penalty appeals for a trip in the area.
It wasn't a brilliant penalty but credit to Clowes who made a smart save, much to the relief of his teamates. FC Eden wouldn't give up and could have equalised at the death after Clowes parried but he gathered at the second time of asking.
Full-time 1-0.
Not a vintage performance from Quilligans but credit to FC Eden, they did 3A proud. They matched Quilligans in pretty much every department. They weren't intimidated and on the day looked a good side playing some good football to boot. If they play like that every week I am sure they will win promotion this season.
Scorers
Roberts 56.
Team
Clowes, Brooks, Bracewell (Moore 67), Gorrie, Swallow, Roberts, Broadbent, Ioannou, Boal, West (Roberts 54), Sugden.
Substitutes
Cook, Short, Roberts, Moore.
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