Lonsdale 1 - 4 Racing Club Fantana

With a date with Ladzio at Thurrock on April 9th awaiting, it was Lonsdale standing in RCF's way. Despite Lonsdale struggling domestically, their cup form was something that could not be taken lightly. With one win from one game, a 100% record in this seasons cup competition is something that deserves respect. This respect wasn't given from RCF for the first 25 minutes.

Captain Chris Maskell passed a late fitness test on his rib, but could only find a place on the bench. Dave Sack, who picked up a knock in last weeks clash with May & Bakers was also not fit enough to start the game. Jewish Superstar Russell Leiter was ruled out completely through injury. Nigel Collins, who had been a rock in recent games, was suspended. In stepped Mssr's. Salmon, Stimpson, player/manager Micallef and a returning Chris Tilbury.

RCF started off the game brightly, with a defensive error almost punished by make-shift left midfielder Tilbury. Waithe also had a chance moments later that was snuffed out. Fantana looked like they would have this game wrapped up within half an hour.

But then Fantana took there foot of the pedal, and Lonsdale started to become more confident. Mis placed passes, poor first touches, and a general look of complacency gave Lonsdale more hope, and with 18 minutes on the clock, Lonsdale took a shock lead. A long ball over the top caught out the Fantana defence and a cross come shot from the Lonsdale no.9 caught out everyone, including RCF stopper Steve Dawes, and the ball settled in the back of the net. Could there be a shock on the cards?

Fantana finally started to get their game together, and the passes started finding feet, and gaps began to appear. With 28 minutes gone, a cross from Tilbury went to the far post. Clarke teed up an onrushing Waithe, and his blocked shot fell to James Spicer to drill home. Spicer who had moments earlier been booked, wheeled away with the Fantana players, and it was game on.

Lonsdale were on the ropes and Fantana could smell blood. Waithe began to control the game from the middle, and a surging run was halted by a Lonsdale leg in the area. The referee had no choice, penalty. Spicer confidently sent the keeper the wrong way, and Fantana finally had the lead for the first time in the game.

But that wasn't all for the first half. A lovely through ball from Stimpson set Waithe clear. Waithe surging with confidence, rounded the keeper and struck the ball home from a decreasing angle. A richly deserved goal to end the half.

Half Time 1-3

Fantana wanted to kill the game off, and almost had a fourth early on. A neat one two between Stimpson and Prati Jnr., set Stimpson free down the right. He cut the ball inside on the edge of the box for Salmon. El Salmon looked to shoot, but stepped over the ball with a dummy, that was bought hook, line and sinker by the Lonsdale centre half. The ball rolled to Clarke, whose shot was saved by the keeper. A move that deserved better.

With Lonsdale looking stretched at the back, Stimspon piced up the ball and found Clarke free down the right. Clarke got to the by-line and pulled it back to Waithe who slammed the ball home for his second of the game. Game over.

There was still time however, for a spot of controversy. The Lonsdale keeper kicked the ball out, and as James Spicer retreated from the area, he was adjudged to wave a leg in the air by Referee Watts. A yellow card followed, Spicers second of the game, and he was off. A sad way to finish the game.

The game was as good as over, but Lonsdale, a beaten team who tirelessly carried on until the end. In injury time, all 10 outfield players were in the Fantana penalty area. The corner was cleared quickly though, by Dawes, and he set Pedomonou free. The Scuffer ran the length of the field with the ball, and decided to try and lob the goalkeeper. It went over the keepers head, but also over the bar.

The final whistle blew, and a relieved Fantana had survived a scare, and managed to make it into the Final, against fellow title contenders Ladzio in what is sure to be a great encounter.

By Oliver Codpiece