Kelvedon Hatch Res travelled to Rayford Athletic in the heavy rain and gale force winds for this cup tie. The Hatch put out a changed side with 3 of their star players on the bench along with budding youngster Ben Walker.

The conditions helped Hatch in the first half and the team started brightly and in the opening seconds Dave Hopwood was put through on goal but he scuffed his attempt wide. The Hatch continued to make efforts on goal with Charlie Ryan going close, producing a great save from their keeper. Peter Williams then went through but his touch was poor and heavy and the balled rolled out for a goal kick. As the first half went on Hatch were getting more and more careless but eager to score while they had the wind in their favour. On the rare occasions Rayford managed to get out of their half Gavin Walker, James McCayna and Jimmy Scadden would not let them past. It finished 0-0 at half time and things looked difficult for the Hatch after not taking a lead into the second half against the wind.

The second half began more evenly. The Hatch changed their formation to a solid 4-4-2 and began passing the ball better knowing any long balls would come straight back at them in the strong wind. However, Gavin Walker’s kicking from goal kicks were driven well. With 10 mins gone, Rayford got an underserved lead, their useless number 9 couldn’t believe his luck when he found the ball at his feet 25 yards from goal, he took a swing and the ball went into the bottom corner. The Hatch keeper, Mark Allan, should have probably done better but he saw the ball very late. Allan found it difficult in the second half and on one occasion he threw the ball straight to their centre forward! On 60 mins, veteran Tony Sutton was not best pleased when he was replaced by Ben Walker. Although Walker looks like he’s running in slow motion, he shored up the middle of the park with his drive and determination to win the ball allowing Hopwood, Darren Hickson and Phil Dear to help the front two in search for an equaliser. On 65 mins Dean Walker replaced James McCayna and on 70 mins Evan Jelliss replaced Scadden. Hatch got their reward shortly after with some great skill from Dean Walker down the left side found Ryan, on the edge of their penalty box, who shot at their keeper forcing a great save. Hopwood following up, hit the rebound off the keeper onto the post but the ball fell to Peter Williams who coolly slotted the ball in the top corner from close range. 1-1. Rayford were tiring and Hatch were just getting stronger. Jelliss hit the post twice with two powerful headers, Ryan forced another fantastic save from their keeper and an over hit cross by Hickson nearly found Hopwood’s head. The Hatch just couldn’t find a winner and the game went into extra time.

Hatch dominated extra time but again couldn’t score. Jelliss again made himself useful in the box from a corner going close. The game came close to overheating with both teams making some big challenges. Jelliss fouled their 6’3, 15 stone right midfielder, who then chased Terry Wright who curled up like a little girl and squeaked ‘it wasn’t me’! The final whistle blew and penalties were to decide the game.

The Hatch lost the shoot out 3-2 with Hopwood and Dean Walker scoring their penalties and Hickson, Dear and Wright missing. Hatch keeper Allan pulled of two fantastic saves but it wasn’t enough. To be fair to the penalty failures they showed courage to take them but with all of them approaching their mid thirties their penalties all struggled to reach the goal, let alone test their keeper. A disappointing loss but everyone is behind the team to get back to winning ways next week.

Hoppy