Icarus Senior Squad v IB Albion

A much changed Icarus squad began the defence of their AFA Challenge Cup title away to IB Albion. As far as 1st round draws go, this was predicted to be one the toughest. Icarus knew they had to perform or face an early from the cup. 
 
In north-east London, in the shadow of the Matchroom Stadium (the home of Leyton Orient FC) IB Albion got the action underway.  Comfortable in possession, Albion rotated the ball around their attacking lines with ease forcing Icarus to work hard to deny them the space they sought.  It wasn’t long before the Icarus keeper, Bowden was called into action making a fine save from the Albion number 9.  Moments later, causing yet more problems for the back line, the centre forward’s cross seemed certain to be converted for his onrushing strike partner, only for this time to be denied by a superb tackle from AFA Cup debutant Busby. The onslaught continued but the Icarus defence stood tall. This resolute defending inspired confidence in the team and the new, energetic central midfield pairing of Fleming and Williams began to stamp their authority on the match.  Their break up play was outstanding and gave Icarus a platform to release the flyers of Wright, Turnbull and Turner.  The break-through came in the 25 minute from a route one ball by Bowden into the path Wright.  With 3 defenders in his way, Wright used his power and trickery to evade several tackles before slotting the ball passed the IB Albion keeper to put Icarus 1-0 up against the run of play. Moments later another tricky run from Wright double his and Icarus’ total for the day.  As the half time whistle blew, Icarus were 2-0 up through sheer dogged determination and winning know-how against a very strong opponent.
 
As the 2nd half began IB Albion came out all guns blazing, quickly lying siege to the Icarus goal.  As shots rained down on Bowden’s goal, the club captain stood tall to make several classy saves from short, medium and long range.  The back 4 of Turner, Hyndman, Busby and Wain were working overtime to restrict the wave after wave of attacks. It was at this point that Icarus made their first change of the match with Dixon replacing the tireless Evans, who making his full debut for the 1st team has been a thorn in the Albion defence with his ability to drive forward with the ball from deep. On the hour mark Icarus had their scariest moment of the match so far as the Albion number 9 used his blistering pace and strength to burst passed Hyndman, only to go down inside the penalty box.  As the Icarus bench held their breath the referee waved play on. This incensed the Albion and they noticeably stepped up their efforts. Finally on the 75 minute, with the Icarus defence stretched, a perfectly weighted through ball put the Albion forward 1-on-1 with Bowden, this time scoring: 2-1.  Determined to ensure that their efforts so far would not be in-vain Icarus responded as they only know how. A break away attack down the left by Somerville relieved the pressure, before his superb cross field ball found the speedy Turner whose cross found the right foot of Turnbull to restore their 2 goal cushion.  This burst forward from Turnbull pushed him to his physical limit (a clear demonstration of the lengths players were going to win the match) and he was replaced with the returning Evans.  Surely the men of Icarus had now done enough to progress to the next round.  But IB Albion would not lie down and began to pepper shots at Bowden’s goal.  With just 3 minutes left on the clock IB Albion scored again to push Icarus all the way.  Albion threw everyone forward only to be met by the Icarus wall of resistance. As the referee blew for full time the cheers from the Icarus players was one of sheer delight and relieve as they all knew they had been in a very tough contest. After the match the Icarus management described the win as a demonstration in the importance of experience, resilience and winning know-how when facing a very talented side. 
 
Icarus march on into the 2nd round draw!