Cherries exit the FA Vase

The excitement mounted as the players entered the pitch for the start of this second round Isuzu FA Vase match away at Elburton Villa, with both clubs having their eye on the third round.

Then just five minutes into the game, an Elburton forward broke through and in a messy tangling of legs, Ben Knight was adjudged to have denied an obvious goal scoring opportunity and was duly shown a red card. Difficult one to argue, but this seemed to upset the balance of the team and Stur struggled to create much during the remainder of the first half, despite some good defensive work as the home side threw everything at them, spurred on by the advantage of numbers. Despite this the Cherries were resolute in defence and kept the deficit to the single goal.

The second half brought about a more structured team display from the visitors, and there was evidence of some chances being created, but somehow they just couldn’t find a way through. Probably the best chance coming from a Nick Hewlett header late in the half, bring a smart save from the home keeper. Theo Crane in the Stur goal was inspirational, playing the sweeper role in addition to his own and plugging some of the gaps left by the early red card. During an Elburton attack, roughly midway through the half, Tom Budden was adjudged to have made a “mis-timed tackle” in the penalty area following what looked like a foul by the forward and a penalty was awarded. Not looking like our afternoon. Craner had other ideas and read the kick correctly pushing the ball around the post hard and low to his left. Theo also made a number of very good interceptions when danger threatened and was also found launching the ball forward from just inside his own half to try to create something.

However it was just not to be, and the home side ran out worthy winners in the end.

Player of the match (sponsored by Jordan & Faber) was awarded to Theo Crane.

Many thanks to Elburton Villa for looking after us – lovely ground and a good bunch of guys, who probably have another win in them for this competition. The draw is on Monday.