After a disappointing loss at home to Old Salvatorians in the league and a week away from the carpet, Parms were back in action and it was semi final day at home in the LOB cup. Parms 3rds, who have already reached one cup final already this campaign, came up against Old Dorkinians reserves for what they knew would be a tough test. The stage was set when the referee sat both teams down before the game and went through what he expected. It was going to be an intense affair.

Parms kicked off and started the better of the 2 teams, creating some good chances that should have resulted in the home side taking an early lead. Tom Thake produced a lovely lay off for Josh Long who fired over from close range before the two centre backs combined from a corner, with Joe Massingham also heading over from Sonny Baldwin’s cut back from close range. The two centre halves plus Dan Kelner continued to trouble Old Dorkinians from set plays but were unable to find a breakthrough. Finally the breakthrough came when Sonny picked up the ball and drove into the heart of the midfield, lifted his head and lofted a defence splitting ball onto the thigh of Ryan Franklin who took one touch before finishing tidily. Following the goal there was considerable pressure from the Old Dorkinians offence, the wind was against us meaning Charlie Holmes had to be quick out his box to help clear up any loose balls before coming up with a smart save down to his left to keep Parms in the lead. Some good defending from Tom Brown and Matt Diebelius in the full back positions kept the Old Dorkinians wingers relatively quiet and parms went into the break 1 up.

Heading out for the second half, Captain Ciaran foster issued a rallying cry for a fast start, although it was the away side who started stronger. A change of formation allowed the Dorkinians midfield more time and space to dominate the game and create chances for their forward line. Despite the pressure, a brilliant Parms counter attack saw josh whip a ball in from the right to Ryan who seemed to be shoved by the defender before he could connect, however the ball ran through to Asaph Lomena, who rounded the keeper before being knocked to the ground. Penalty to Parms. Up stepped Josh who has made his living from the penalty spot this season, however the pressure of the occasion and the Thai he’d had the night before proved too much for him as he blazed his penalty over the bar. Shortly after, a long ball over the top saw Preveen Etienne and Charlie get in a muddle, with the latter clattering the oncoming attacker and the referee pointed to the spot. Charlie went the right way but the Dorkinians captain slotted the ball home for 1-1. The remainder of the 2nd half was scrappy with neither team producing much more than a few half chances before the referee blew for full time.

The first half of extra time started in the same fashion with neither team creating any clear cut chances to win the game and fatigue clearing starting to kick in across the pitch. Parms thought their luck had changed just before the 1st half of extra time ended, when an Old Dorkinians central midfielder was sin binned, however Parms couldn’t make the extra man count and Extra time ended 1-1 and penalties loomed.

Manager Paul Franklin brought the team in and the takers were decided, Ryan, josh, Tom T, Asaph and Sonny were the first 5 to step up. Ryan, Josh and Tom expertly tucked their pens away putting Parms 3-2 up when Charlie heroically saved down to his right, giving parms the advantage going into the last 2. Asaph, who has a history of missing penalties for the 3rds made not mistake this time and cooly slotted his away. At this point, Sonny was shaking at the thought of stepping up for the deciding penalty, however it wasn’t required as the Old Dorkinians number 7 blazed over the bar, sending Parms sprinting towards Charlie in celebration. Another cup final beckons and Parms still have their eyes on the treble.

MOTM: Sonny Baldwin

Match report by Sonny Baldwin