The Uni White's B's this week were playing in the Collegiate Cup Quarter Final for only the second time since 1998 (remember that one Cappy), against Division 3 high flyers Norwood.

The controversy started on the Thursday before the game, with regular goal keeper Heath not able to recover and word on the street was Mr Tony Duffy was going to take the gloves for the game.

At the last minute, thankfully, Craig stepped in, pain killers and all to be our goalie for the game... I can tell you now, Tony was a very relieved man.

On the Norwood side, all the talk had been about Gavin Wanganeen playing, but as soon as he arrived we knew that was not to be, as he was carrying an injury

Back into the White's line-up for the cup round (as well as Craig), were Timmy Dawson and Campbell Hopgood at the back, as well as Ryan Harrowfield up front, meaning that Juan had one of his strongest sides for the season.

When we arrived at the ground, it was already looking pretty wet, but just about as soon as the whistle was blown to start the game, light rain began to fall as well. The B's started off at a frenetic pace, with Ryan shooting in the first minute, only for the keeper to save onto his post... We then noticed the Norwood keeper had yet to put his gloves on.

The ensuing corner ended in Anthony heading over the bar, and from the Norwood kick in, we again won the ball and Ryan incredibly managed to hit the bar (again) from outside the box... The excitement wasn't over however, as the ball was only cleared out as far as Wez on the left hand side of the box, who chipped in over the keeper only for the ball to hit the uprights for a third time in only the second minute of the game.

Norwood were shocked into action though, as they realised this was not going to be a walk in the park. Their superior size and strength began to tell, whilst the Norwood wingers really came into the game.

After all the excitement at our end, it was Norwood's turn to be unlucky, as they too hit the post twice in a 5 minute period of attack, with Crab also clearing off the line.

Late in the half though, Norwood did break through, with a good piece of play resulting in their striker getting room and hitting a nice shot.

At the break Juan demanded a more physical effort from the team, as it appeared we were being beaten in the 50-50 contests. Crab reminded the boys of the relative age of Norwood and that they were likely to tire late in the game.

In the second half, we had to defend the 'sloppy' end of the pitch, and I think that contributed in them going 2-0 up, after what can only be described as a 'speculative' header, somehow lobbed into the goals.

Almost immediately however the Whites struck back, as Ryan hit a beautiful shot into the top right corner from outside the box.

At 2-1, with everything to play for, the boys fought hard, with Anthony, Ryan and Juan 'nutmeg' Livore all working extremely hard.

At the back Campbell, Woobie and Crab had to work very hard as the quick Norwood striker really came into the game.

Late in the game Jase came on for Wez and John W came on for Tim Levett, but neither player was able to have an influence on the game. The referee however did, by not calling many frees, a bit of tension came into the game and we were all lucky it didn't get out of hand.

In the end, Norwood held on for a 2-1 win, in a game where they perhaps showed their experience (with a few ex State League stars in the team), but our B's again showed some real fight and perhaps we'll be rueing those missed opportunities at the start of the game.

Post game, an excellent turnout at the pub, where Anthony and Ryan split the best player award. A special mention should also go out to those friends and family who braved the cold (not to mention a 15 minute hail storm) to come out and watch.

SafTop