The Cherry Red Records Challenge Cup
Semi Final - First Leg
Abingdon United 0 Yate Town 2
Saturday, 25 January 2003
Although Abingdon went down to their fourth consecutive defeat there were some encouraging signs that they are getting back on the right track. United still lack depth up front and need to find a solution as soon as possible.
The first quarter of an hour was like other recent matches with Yate pushing United back into their area, but stout defending and a lot of balls scrambled away resulted in no efforts on goal. As the half wore on the home side battled their way into the game and started to get a few corners but were denied any shots on target.
Half Time: 0-0
The second half was played in a similar vein until the 57th minute as Tom Smith got behind the defence and as he touched the ball away from the advancing keeper his legs were taken away. Richard Peirson put the resulting penalty too close to the goal minder and he saved well. Soon after Pete Moss had a goal bound shot acrobatically saved by the keeper who arched backwards to tip the ball onto the bar. The home team were slowly taking control and Yate Town were for the first time looking a little ragged but turned the game around in the last 10 minutes. A free kick from the right was met at the far post by Metheringham whose powerful header hit the back of the net. Within two minutes a shot was well saved by Carl Wilkins but the ball cannoned off Metheringham and bounced over the keeper and dropped into the goal. Yate had another effort scream just wide and Wilkins punched away a fierce drive. Dean Moss had a chance to pull one back but fired into the side netting. Abingdon pushed everyone up and nearly paid for it when a quick break forced Wilkins to scoop a shot clear.
With the second leg in four weeks time it is a tough task for Abingdon to get to the final but if they keep playing as they did in this match they at least have some chance, however small.
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