Geary cup

Winchester 5

South Zeal 4

COMING into this cup game South Zeal knew that their recent run of poor form had to end.

The younger players had a look of determination and steel about them, which boded well for the afternoon that was ahead. The game began in an incredibly fast and frenetic fashion, with both teams holding nothing back, clattering into tackles with the first meaningful event of the game being a booking for a Winchester player.

Both teams created some early chances, with Harley Cann going close for the visitors. However, the first strike went the way of Winchester, with their centre forward slotting the ball coolly past South Zeal's goalkeeper and man of the match, Eddy Jones.

South Zeal, though, were tough and struck back immediately thanks to the sharpness of centre forward Adam Clark. Winchester only seemed to be energised by this and soon scored another two goals in quick succession, putting them into the lead 3-1. South Zeal's young team however, showed they are made of stern stuff, with captain Cann scoring two more goals, meaning the first half ended with the score at 3-3.

The second half brought more tough and uncompromising play from both sides, with a sprinkling of good football thrown in as well.

South Zeal's centre midfield pairing of Redd Cann and Harry Smith now had a grip on the game and this led to Harley Cann completing his hat-trick and putting the visitors into the lead 4-3. Winchester, however, soon equalised after some lacklustre defending from South Zeal.

The 90 minutes were up with the scores tied at 4-4 - meaning extra time. Unfortunately for the valiant South Zeal, Winchester scored in the first half in extra time to win 5-4. It was a great effort from both sides.