Old Parkonians 1 - 3 Old Parmiterians (2nd Round Old Boys Cup)

After an enforced 4 week lay off, Parks returned to action in this local cup derby against a Parms team placed a division higher. With the wind behind them, Parks started brightly and dominated the early stages, with Knapman and Mason combining to threaten the visitors" goal in the first 5 minutes. Morton was also able to produce some good crosses from the right hand side, with Collins getting on the end of one to swipe the chance just wide.

The first half was an evenly matched affair with both sides trading chances, but failing to really trouble the keepers. The best chance of the half fell to Parmenter, who, after good work from Knapman, saw his lob drop just over the bar, with the onrushing Parms" keeper stranded.

With the scoreline locked at 0-0 at the end of the half, it was looking like a single goal would win this fixture, but the second half was a much more open encounter.

Against the blustery wind Parks found the going difficult, but managed to play some controlled football and opened the scoring when a mistake from Pete Chapman in the heart of the Parms" defence, let Knapman in to run on goal. He unselfishly squared to the waiting Parmenter who finished from close range. Parks then turned on the quality, with Collins twice going close, and Bernstein having a header saved from a yard, they looked to have the game in the bag.

However, to their credit Parms did not give up the fight and twenty minutes from time drew level after some poor defensive work let in the centre forward to cross from the byline. The game then was very much in the balance, and again, reckless defending was Parks" downfall. A free kick conceded in a dangerous area was clinically finished by Parms, and it left the home side with no option, but to throw everything forward in the last five minutes. Parks were unable to create any clear cut chances with Parms defending the edge of their box, and in the dying seconds a breakaway goal sealed the passage into the next round for the visitors.

A disappointing conclusion to a very well fought game leaves Parks concentrating on the league, where they will have to step up a gear from this performance to stay in contention with the leaders.

Scorers: Parmenter
Man of the Match: Parmenter

Report by Tim Cross