Icarus Senior Squad v Old Parmiterians

After the epic comeback and outstanding performance against Wake Green Amateurs, Icarus faced equally tough opposition in their first ever AFA Jnr Cup QF. 
 
A slightly nervous start was evident by the tentative approach made by both teams, but it was Icarus who settled the quicker as they began to string several moves together. However it was the high pressing approach that Icarus had adopted throughout the season that resulted in the opening goal, as Steele’s persistence forced a mix up between goalkeeper and defence which allowed him to slot the ball into an open net.
 
The breakthrough had been made and the nerves were settled; but not for long. This appeared to provoke Old Parmiterians into life and they levelled the scores with outstanding trickery and cool finish from their centre forward. It was now Icarus’ turn to withstand a period of pressure as Rose was called into action, making on several fine saves. The traffic was far from one way and as half time approached Icarus regained the lead through an expertly taken free kick by Dixon. The momentum had swung Icarus’ way and they created two more excellent chances before a breakaway opportunity was cut short as the referee blew for half time as Turrell bore down on goal.
 
Half time saw the withdrawal of Woolatt for Laws with Icarus only 45 minutes away from reaching the AFA Jnr Cup Semi Final. As the half started the match continued to be finely balanced, with both teams giving little away. It was the Old Parmiterians centre forward who again made the difference, beating Boxall with another fine piece of skill before scoring to levels the tie. As the half progressed the game began to open up as legs began to tire.  Following an Old Parmiterians breakaway, a corner was awarded which resulted in a hammer blow to the Icarus cup bid. The ball was played into the front post where the Old Parmiterians attacker lost his marker to fire a bullet header into the top corner of the goal – 3-2 to the visitors. 
 
In response Icarus made an attacking substitution, removing holding midfielder Laws (an unfortunate casualty in a desperate bid to level the score) and replace him with centre forward Nicholas. As the game approached the final 15 minutes Icarus camped in the Old Parmiterians half as their superior fitness began to take effect.  Chance after chance hitting the woodwork, being saved or cleared off the line as Icarus gave everything they had in an attempt to draw level. 
 
Old Parmiterians did enough to hang on for the win to send Icarus out of the Jnr Cup in a match that could have swung either way such was the competitiveness of the tie.