10 Man Milan Win 2-0

In an exciting hard fought cup game, played on a heavy pitch, Real Milan held off an impressive Cherokees team to win 2-0.
The game started off at a brisk pace with Real producing some eye catching football. For the first 15 minutes Real created plenty of chances but failed to make the break-though. But on 20 minutes, from a Louis Martin corner, Ricky Wheeler rose unchallenged to head in the opening goal to give the Whites a well deserved lead. Cherokees to their credit, worked harder after going behind, and started to put more pressure on the Real defence. They looked good value for an equaliser, but found Jack Evans and Ricky at the centre of defence, in no mood to concede, and they went in at half time unlucky to be behind.
The second half began with both teams well matched. Whoever scored next would probably win it. For a time it looked like it would be the Cherokees and Anthony MacCarroll had to produce a quality save to keep Milan ahead.
The crucial point of the game arrived at a time when Milan were under heavy pressure. Disaster struck when Ricky went down in a challenge and subsequently broke his foot. Real had already used their only sub and so were forced to play the last quarter with only 10 men. Somehow Real Milan ‘dug deep’ and began to put pressure back on the Cherokees. Following a fantastic run from Lewis , covering the whole length of the pitch, he interchanged passes with Harley McAuley, and Josh Lake, and left Ashley Kang free to wrap up the game for Milan, with a well struck close range finish. After that, Real shut up shop, and were never troubled again.
We saw the best and worst of Real Milan today. Highlights included another superb performance from Danny O’Sullivan, who was so close to getting Man of the Match for the second game running. Josh Lake worked very hard and had an excellent game also. Jack Evans was unbeatable at centre half.
Sam Haggerty did great on the wing, especially in the first half. Jordan Pritchard once again worked his socks off as did Ashley Kang. Tom Emery had a steady game at left back. Anthony looked secure in goal and kept his second clean sheet in a row. Harley worked well but was out numbered in midfield. Louis just keeps getting better, with his tackling much improved. Anthony Gardner was not at his sharpest today, but you can guarantee he’ll bounce back with plenty of goals soon.
Attitudes will need to be improved in certain areas and Real Manager’s Roger and Tariq, will be making changes to rectify these problems.
Overall it was a thrilling game with great credit to both teams.