Sports Correspondent Billy Sexton reports on a 4-1 victory for UEA over bitter rivals Essex.
UEA needed extra time to secure a 4-1 victory over rivals Essex in a hotly contested Last 16 BUCS Cup encounter.
It was a bright but chilly afternoon at Colney Lane as UEA faced Derby Day opponents Essex, with both teams hopeful of progressing to the quarter finals. Neither team took control in the opening 10 minutes, with heavy tackles coming in the centre of midfield from both sides.
UEA looked promising on the counter-attack and opened the scoring 20 minutes into the game when Calum Hutcheon headed in from close range to put the hosts ahead. Essex fought on and produced some attractive attacking play but never looked threatening to the solid UEA back four. The home side came close to doubling their lead, seeing a curling shot glance off the crossbar towards the end of the first half.
UEA continued with their attacking ethic in the second half, and Essex found it difficult to break down a calm and composed UEA defence. Utilising the pace of their wingers, UEA were able to frequently get inside the Essex 18 yard box, but with no clear-cut chances, the score remained 1-0.
However, Essex got back into the game with a strike from 25 yards out, as their skilful centre midfielder spotted UEA’s goalkeeper off his line and placed the ball into the back of the net to level the score. Two consecutive saves from UEA’s ‘keeper after this kept the hosts in the game as a revitalised Essex pushed forward.
UEA’s Danny Scott used his pace and power to dispossess a nervous Essex defender and neatly placed the ball into the back of the net, only to see his goal ruled out for a foul on the Essex player.
The scores remained level after 90 minutes, meaning extra time would decide the contest.
UEA found themselves through on goal almost immediately and should have capitalised on this chance. However, they quickly rectified this, Jason Ayton sliding in at the far post to put UEA ahead for the second time in the game.
Talented left-footer Josh Kelly put UEA two goals ahead after a horrendous defensive mix up from Essex and could have scored again had it not been for an impressive save from the Essex goalkeeper. Ayton got his brace before the full-time whistle and the game ended 4-1, with UEA fully deserving the victory.
They now face an away fixture at Brighton II in the quarter-finals of the BUCS Cup on February 1, and will be hopeful of progressing against the side currently sitting in second place in Southern Division 1A.
Men’s Football I return to league action in the Midlands Division 1A on January 25, when they are due to travel to face Warwick I, currently sitting in third place but only one point ahead of UEA, who are fifth.
The result is also ideal preparation for Derby Day in March, which sees UEA travel to Essex to defend their title from last year.
Photo courtesy of Laura Smith.