ac milanda afc

A dress rehearsal for the Cup final in May and unlikely either team found out much about the other that they didn't already know.

For the 2nd week running the wind played a part in proceedings making it difficult to judge the flight of the ball. Both teams took their time to adapt and it was Deanpark who took an early lead. A clearance from defence caught out the Milanda defence as it was knocked on and the Deanpark player made no mistake with his one-on-one with Fawns.

Milanda began to play football on the deck and made in roads into the Deanpark box but the final ball was lacking. Milanda had a great chance when Addison was sent clear on the right. Williamson made his way into the box in support and waited to pull the trigger as the cross came in but a last ditch tackle left Milanda with only a corner for their effort.

The equlaiser did finally come and the wind played its part. Murray stuck a toe out and the ball spun up in the air the Deanpark defender tried to bring it under control but managed only to completely miss the ball and it spun into the path of Williamson who gratefully received the gift and drew the keeper before putting it into the left hand corner.

Milanda survived a scare a few moments later when a shot inside the box came back off the post before a brave block by Crawford cleared the danger. At the other end Coyle wasn't far away with a shot from outside the box after Williamson had intercepted a poor goal kick. It was honours even at half time.

The second half was much the same as the first with Milanda pressing while Deanpark tried to hit on the break. Milanda took the lead after a corner kick was cleared back to murray who sent an inch perfect ball to the back post where Crawford was waiting all alone to head past the keeper.

The game threatened to boil over as tempers became a bit frayed as Milanda stood firm against Deanpark. The points were made secure when in an almost identical goal to the second Crawford got his second. This time it was Addison who delivered the final ball and Crawford was once again in the right place at the right time.

Milanda had chances to put the game out of site but time and again the wrong option was being chosen and Deanpark continued to search for a lifeline. They seemed to think constant moaning at the ref was the best way forward but the official refused to be swayed and Milanda for the second week running recorded a 3-1 victory.

The Cup final will be much harder than this but good to get whatever psychological benefit we can get from this fairly straightforward victory.

MOTM - Has to be Crawford this week. Solid at the back and always capable of getting a goal or two and his goals proved vital.