Weston Veterans were at home to Cardiff Academicals, and beat them 5- 4 on Sunday, February 14th, in the FA Umbro cup.
Weston, missing seven key players, started with Martin Wigmore taking up the goal keeping duties with Phil Miles, Jenko, Shane and Steve Lancs, at the back. In midfield were Frost and Nash, with Brown and Oxford taking up the flanks. Chalky and Dio took up forward duties.
Weston played the better football in the first period bt they could not find an opening. When pushing forward for a corner they were caught on a quick break and Cardiff took a 1 - 0 lead. Cardiff were now more in the game and the big centre forward and his smaller, but very tricky and fast, partner were keeping Jenko and Shane under pressure.
Weston looked more assured, until from a Cardiff corner, a lack of marking resulted in their centre-half striking a solid shot into the Weston net for a half time lead of 2 – 0.
Sammy came on into the right back slot in place of Lancs and early into the half another goal from Cardiff gave them a 3 – 0 lead. Weston looked as if they were playing for pride only. Evans came on for Oxford and Brown switched flanks. Suddenly, from a good ball up the left, Chalky turned the Cardiff full-back and delivered a sublime cross for Dio to head into goal to bring the score to 3 –1.
From the restart, Weston passed the ball across the back and through the midfield until again Chalky received the ball out wide left. He slipped an angled pass into the running Dio, who took one touch with his right foot to move the ball pass the centre-half. He cleverly kicked the ball with his left foot, from an acute angle, to beat the advancing keeper, and slotted the ball into the right hand side of Cardiff's goal for 3 –2.
Cardiff now made some changes to stop the Weston surge. However, Weston kept possession of the ball and found Chalky who fired in another cross, which was met by the advancing Brown, who scored to make it 3 – 3.
Cardiff pushed forward and Weston had to make several last ditch tackles. Martin saved a couple of shots, before the ball was driven pass the recovering Martin for Cardiff to surely win the tie at 4 – 3. But, with five minutes on the clock, Weston pushed again and suddenly the impressive Chalky found a shouting chance and drove the ball home for 4 – 4. With seconds left, and both teams out on their feet, a stunning cross shot made the Cardiff keeper struggle and Chalky got the last touch for a excellent 5 – 4 win and three well-needed points. Dio was voted Man of the Match.