Due to the extreme conditions we experienced last week we found ourselves playing away today after a switched fixture. It was our home game on away soil.

The conditions were perfect, sunny but with a nip in the air. A soft defrosted pitch.

We started with a plan, it started an extremely attacking formation of 4 – 3 – 3. We wanted to send a message to ourselves that we were here to make things difficult and reach the Cup Semi-Final. The reason we wanted to send a message to ourselves is; when we attack, we score and when we score first, we play football great. However when we score second; we tend to fall apart a little and then we make things hard.

Now not everything went to plan, yes we attacked and attacked some more but we just could not secure that early lead. The plan had been after 20 minutes switch to 4–4–2 with a cushion of 1 or 2 goals. The attacking formation worked and we constantly pressured but again we could not find the net.

After 14 minutes disaster stuck, Fulbourn got free from our defences line as we all looked for an offside decision that was never there. They took their chance and slipped an easy goal into the back of the net. 1- 0 down. The attacking formation had given us a massive attacking advantage but unfortunately it had also given them a lot of space in midfield. Time for plan B.

After 2 quick subs, we moved back to our trusted 4-4-2 formation with James and Nathan coming on. The momentum of the game did not change and also immediately we took control of the middle. Fulbourn previous freedom had been restricted and the quality football started to appear from the might whites.

We took control and once more pressured and finally in the 25^th minute we drew even, Will attacked from the left and after beating the full back with his pace calmly slotted in our equaliser. We were on our way and you could really sense it in the air. We started to look like we wanted it more. 1 – 1 and all to play for.

It happened again, in the 35^th minute Will once more proved that he was quicker and strong than their full back and once more he calmly slotted our second passed their keeper with ease and skill. We were on our way 2 – 1.

We broke for half time in the lead, the air was buzzing, the boys were buzzing and Nick and I were both buzzing; an air of calm was needed as we had along way to go. So while Fulbourn retired to the changing rooms for a half time chat we decided that warming up and a quick go at keppie ups was the way forward. Fulbourn took their time and finally returned to the pitch after about 10 minutes. However we just were not ready, we decided that once they had returned we would do our half time talk and try and create some frustration in a team that already looked beaten.

I don’t know if it was the relaxation of messing about with a ball at half time or the fact that we kept them waiting but once we had restarted we again looked the better side. We immediately attacked and threatened to go further ahead. Unfortunately our efforts were in vain and the score remained 2 -1.

5 minutes in to the second half we made our third sub, Jason replaced Luke. He had a detailed briefing of what we needed and boy did he deliver. As we all know Jason is our smallest player (massive heart, small frame) but his size did not stop him delivering. He was all over the pitch, tackling, pressuring, up and down, back and forth. He replaced Luke perfectly and from now on he is should be known as little Luke because that’s exactly who he looked like. Well done.

It didn’t stay 2 -1 for long and in the 56^th minute Ozzie gambled on a 30 yard shot and 100% smashed the ball to put us 2 ahead. 3 – 1 and finally a cushion. Could this game get any better?

Well yes, immediately from the restart we gain possession and attacked, Will shot forward and attacked the box only to be taken down. PENALTY. Ozzie stood up to the challenge and in a “they think it’s all over kind of way” smashed the ball in to the back of the net. (Now don’t tell him, I had my money firmly on him putting it over the bar) Well done Ozz. After 57 minutes we were 4 – 1 up.

The reaction of most teams at 4 – 1 would be to put your head down and hope that the final whistle would come soon. Fulbourn did exactly the opposite; it seemed to set them on fire and suddenly they were back in the game.

We started to look tired. So with 15 minutes to go we subbed heavily. Alex (our last sub from the original bench) along with Tom, Eamon and Luke were all sent on to finish them off. It didn’t quite work like that. Fulbourn attacked, we attacked, Fulbourn attacked some more and finally in the 70^th minute they rippled our net once more, 4 – 2. It took a further 8 minutes for them to do it again and in the 78^th minute they headed an easy goal home. 4 – 3.

I started to panic that this was the come back from Hell. I need not have worried. The game finish after 3 minutes of stoppage time with a Waterbeach victory at 4 -3. Come on the mighty Beach.

We had done it, not only had we beaten a team who plays in the league above us but we had made the SEMI FINAL. Club History, I think (tell me if I am wrong). The first 11 a side major tournament semi-finalist and one of my aims for this season complete. WELL DONE LADS today will sit in my memory for years.

Everyone on the pitch today played their part; a real team effort. A few shout outs; Joe R-N – quality game you filled shippies boots and some, well done. Luke – his engine never miss fired, 110% all the time all over the pitch, outstanding effort. Will and Ozzie, 2 goals a piece – poetry in motion. Connie - class act. Josh – solid as a rock. Jason, mini Luke. Nathan - one in the eye for your old club. Outstanding every single one of you. But today for me one player stood ahead of his peers, a player that was thrown in to an unfamiliar position, a position I think he has never played. He went about his business like a seasoned professional. Matt you were calm, strong, solid and outstanding and that is why you are this weeks Man of the Match. Complete quality.

Our win today has come at a cost. We moved down 2 positions in the league as all other league game results went against us. We sit in 5^th our lowest position this season. Gents don’t get down hearted, if we play like this next week we will be back spanking the top three and beyond once more. One week at a time.

Cup Semi-Finalist – Now how good does that sound? U16s living the dream.