Beacon FC Res. — Sat 3 Nov 2007

Match report

Half time: 1 – 0

Samba were unchanged for the 2nd round of the FA Cup as they travelled to second division side Beacon Reserves. Beacon appeared to be operating a 4-3-3 formation against Samba's 4-4-2, with Gibbons again partnering Francis upfront. The game was only 10 minutes old when the first goal came, and it arrived courtesy of a penalty kick. Bassett crossed to the edge of the area for Boughton to head on for Francis. The Samba striker rolled the defender who had hold of Francis' shirt and just after the whistle had blown Francis buried his shot. The goal didn't stand of course, but it didn't matter as Francis converted the penalty to give Samba an early lead. The next significant moment of the match was particularly unfortunate for Beacon as their goalkeeper suffered what appeared to be a nasty injury to his finger and had to be replaced. Beacon went close to equalising when a late runner at the back post headed just over to remind Samba that they had to be on their guard. Mid-way through the first half Samba had to replace Gibbons (hamstring) with Taylor, who came closest to extending Samba's lead with two well hit shots which the keeper saved with his legs. As half time approached there were to be no more clear cut chances and Samba went into the break with a slender lead.

The second half commenced with Samba kicking down the slight slope. Samba were easily on top in the opening exchanges but could not extend their lead with both Boughton and Taylor missing chances. However, Samba got the cushion that their play deserved when Francis latched on to a Bassett ball down the line and diverted the ball into Lucas's path. He strode into the penalty box and smashed the ball home with his right foot. Samba were completely in control at this point, with Boughton dominant in the air. The name turned nasty for a period when Beacon took exception to a Hill challenge, and the central midfielder was subject to some abuse from both Beacon players and supporters. The only effort on goal by Beacon in the 2nd half was a free kick which Ballard comfortably dealt with. With 5 minutes left to play Francis put the seal on a good days work, by first jinking through the Beacon defence from the left hand side and firing a shot low past the keeper. He then completed his hatrick when sent racing clear from a large punt upfield. The keeper commited himself outside his area and Francis finished superbly with his right foot from about 30-35 yds. It was a strong performance from Samba and they marched into the next round of the cup. Man of the Match: Carl Boughton