SUMMER CUP REPORT

The annual visit to The Dynamo Summer Cup ended with some disappointment as we failed to really show our true qualities on the pitch but overall we had a great day out and thanks to the new kit looked 100 times better than anyone else, even in defeat.

Emmanuel started off well with a good performance, but no goals, against Southwell. Emmanuel dominated posession and limited the opposition to few chances and should've taken the lead very early in the game with John Parton missing from 6 yards out. The pace of a 24 minute match is far different from that of an 80 minute league game and both teams took a while to adapt. Jack Ball missed another opportunity to take all 3 points late on but the game finished 0-0.

Up next was local rival Barrow Town who won Division 1 this season. Emmanuel started poorly conceding early on, but hit back after a great Rob Barrow freekick was fumbled by the keeper and turned in by Kieron Baldock. After that point Emmanuel let themselves down with some poor defending and individual errors but at times troubled the Barrow defence. Final score 5-1 loss.

Next up was Kirby Muxloe in a game which was similar to the first match against Southwell. However Emmanuel should really have won this match after taking the lead through Al-Zubayel some 10 seconds after he joined the action. A superb run and header gave Emmanuel a 1-0 lead which last only a few minutes. Again some poor decision making and ponderous defending cost us. Emmanuel had far more quality than Kirby Muxloe but failed to show it. Final score 1-1.

Quarter Final. The match against Thurmaston Magpies was perhaps our poorest performance and the Emmanuel team that won the final 2 league games would also have won this game, but sadly a slower, less passionate Emmanuel took the field. Hot weather, lack of focus, whatever the excuse Emmanuel didn't show up and slow reaction at the back cost us a 2-0 defeat. Thurmaston went onto win the cup and a more focussed Emmanuel could have done so too.

Overall. We had fun and enjoyed the day out, but it could've been more successful on the pitch. Kieron, Bishal, Noddy and Jabed all had a good Cup with Bishal in particular showing some real quality on the ball. Plenty to be positive for over the summer and next season.

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