Yesterday was our semi-final cup tie v Prestwich Town Blacks. It had to be played on neutral grounds so we all made our way to Redbank Playing Fields in Radcliffe for an early kick off.
A big thanks to the ground staff at Radcliffe Juniors who had everything set up for us.
With the bout of injuries hitting our team all season, it made a refreshing change to have a full squad.
It was a bit drizzly with a sweeping wind and the pitch was heavy in the centre circle, we lost the toss and were playing downhill for the first half but maybe this could play to our favour.
The first 20 minutes and we were very ropey, Pretwich hit the bar in first few minutes and we were all left holding our breath.
Sam was inspirational in midfield he was winning all the headers, his work ratio was 100% throughout the game, well done.
We applied pressure for most of the first half but we just couldn't seem to break their defence, it was like a brick wall.
The game was evenly matched when Bradley pressed hard and we were rewarded with a goal, well done.
The ref was fair and played advantage when needed, we did get a couple of free kicks and Austin had a chance, he curled it round the wall it was going into the top left hand corner when the Prestwich keeper raised his hand and made an incredible save.
Our keeper Olli had not really been tested when Prestwich pressed he ran for the ball and his knee gave way. He'd sustained this injury a couple of weeks ago and had rested for this game but unfortunately he couldn't continue and a reshuffle was needed.
A big thank you to Austin for moving position, he's played in net for a few games this season and has been phenominal.
Sean wanted to keep a strong back four so Calum went and played alongside our Captain Elliot. This left for the introduction of Luke upfront alongside Bradley.
Half time 1 nil to Unsworth, Sean gave his team talk, he told them to stay strong, pass and use our fitness. Sean has been doing alot of fitness during our training sessions and the boys do moan but by god it paid off.
Second half and I was a little nervous when the whistle blew but no need, our boys came out fighting, they were so strong Aaron and Sam had the midfield sewn up. We moved forward a great cross from James and Sam was waiting in the penalty box and a fantastic header to make it 2 nil Unsworth. Well done Sam your hard work paid off.
Prestwich started to dip, Luke passed it through to Aaron and it was one on one with the keeper and Aaron slipped it into the bottom corner 3 nil Unsworth. A reshuffle in players as two subs to get on Dean lasted 30 seconds as the ref said he couldn't play due to the cast on his wrist, sorry mate. Harry moved to right back and Michael slotted into midfield with Sam.
Then a flurry of goals, it felt like every minute we were scoring, sorry guys cant remember the order from then on.
Bradley scored 4, Aaron 2, Sam 1 and Calum went up for a corner and was rewarded with a goal. The scoreline ended 8 nil to Unsworth.
Well done everyone, I'm very proud how you kept your discipline and your performance was fantastic!!!

Man of the Match: Sam

We are now through to the Cup Final at Salford City on 14th May.
Are opponents are Moston Brook who won their game on penalties.