Pot Black completed a great 2-1 win over a strong Whitton Maypole side at Leiston to reach the final of the Sunday Senior Cup and join a select group of sides from the Lowestoft Sunday League who have achieved this prestigious feat.
The pitch at Leiston was sandy and very bumpy which did not help Pot Blacks passing game. The game started evenly with both sides looking for the first goal of the game. Whitton were relying on playing a long ball from defence, which they did very effectively and were causing Pot Blacks defence some anxious moments. After 25 minutes they took the lead after a good shot from the edge of the box flew over the keepers head and into the lead, much to the delight of players and supporters. Pot Black then had the lion’s share of the game without creating too many chances and good defending by the Whitton defence. Liam Harvey had the best chance just before half-time to equalise but the keeper made a good save blocking his shot and the ball rebounding to safety.
So half time came with Pot Black losing 1-0 and a strong half-time pep talk needed. The second half started with Pot Black looking for that elusive goal and were pushing too many players forward which resulted in them getting caught on the break far too easily. Indeed at this time of the match Richard Reeder in goal kept Pot Black in the match with a string of fine saves. Pot Black fought there way back into the game but still did not threaten the Whitton goal with any purpose. But they should have equalised when the ball rebounded of the keeper to the edge of the box where Michael Hodgson bravely dived to header the ball only to see it go past the post. With time ticking away, Adam Sivell came on to steady the midfield and show composure on the ball, which had been missing before. Pot Black were now looking for that goal and put Kev Sherwood on, enabling Max Blowers to move upfront. The last change came with Anthony Ogogo coming on to use his pace down the flanks. With Pot Black pressing for that equaliser, it was one way traffic now and with 15 minutes to go with the ball bouncing about in the penalty area and eventually coming out to Kieron who placed the ball into the top corner of the net. It was now the turn of PB players and supporters to celebrate. Pot Black was now looking to finish the game before the dreaded extra-time and perhaps penalties. From a corner of the left Adam Sivell rose to meet the ball only to see it fly over the bar. But with 5 minutes to go the goal come after good work by Anthony Ogogo on the left and putting a good ball into the box which Rory French meet before the oncoming keeper to lob the ball over his head and into the goal which sent the players and supporters delirious. The next 5 minutes seemed like the longest ever but eventually the referee blew for full time and then the celebrations started.
Not a vintage display by PB but one full of commitment to get the result that mattered and all players and supporters can now look forward to the final on April 26 against Wortham Dolphin United at a neutral ground.
