Regent through to semi's

Regent travelled to Swaffham for our quarter-final tie hoping to continue our impressive run which has seen us collect another award for the form team in December and January. Webster was without several players, Pagey (calf) Beardo (hamstring) Jake Gould ( dead leg ) Ryan Salter (thigh) Tevez (banned) and Jamie Clark (holiday) but despite this still had a good squad with Charlie Thompson returning from injury in to the squad, Kieron Baker stepping up from the Reserves and Terry Rymer returning to his homeland and back in to the squad. After a long journey and the pitch looking a little worn we started poorly and Swaffham largely dominated the first 20 minutes but Kev Hughes and Jake Holman especially made some good tackles to just about keep the home side at bay. When we got to grips with their formation and kept the ball better we started to take control and Phil Kelly was giving their full back a torrid time but on 2 occasions when he got in to the box the home keeper saved well. Liam Whittaker then saw his shot cleared off the line by the defender. After 32 minutes Liam Whittaker made no mistake after more good play from Phil Kelly and fired home in to the bottom corner to make it 0-1. Shortly after Ricky Griggs tricked his way in to the box but fired over. After 43 minutes we increased our lead, Kieron Baker started the move playing in Phil Kelly with a 30 yard pass who ran at the full back before the covering defender managed to clear for a corner. Phil Kelly played in the corner with Kieron Baker heading down for Ricky Griggs to volley home and make it 0-2. The home side had a free-kick on the stroke of half time but fired wide. HT 0-2
In the second half we started well and some more great football from the back eventually saw Kieron Baker find Phil Kelly who weaved and turned before seeing his shot saved again. The home side tried to get back in the game but Regent largely dealt with the threat but on one occasion when the forward found space Dan Beeson finger tipped superbly around the post. After 20 minutes Julian Simon-Parson sustained a bad injury after a heavy tackle, Jules had to leave the pitch and unfortunately it has transpired that he has broken his ankle and is awaiting an operation, we all wish Jules a speedy recovery. Charlie Thompson came on returning from injury. Sam Holman then played some great football through midfield linking with Liam Whittaker but again the keeper saved well. Terry Rymer then replaced Liam and was immediately in to action looking sharp and after some good link up play a cross from Phil Kelly found Rymer but his shot agonisingly smashed against the post before clearing to safety. The home sides threat was lessening and whenever they did threaten Dan Beeson's handling was exemplary. Charlie Durling came on and soon played in Phil Kelly but once again the keeper saved well bravely getting out to thwart Philbo. One more chance came and went when Terry Rymer saw his lobbed effort beat the keeper but fall inches wide. FT 0-2
A solid performance from the boys with players out and an initial poor first 20 minutes the boys all stepped up and played well against a strong side and at the end could have won more comfortably. A win that sees us through to the semi-final with the draw still to be made.