Posted by Rijs on May 2, 2008, 8:41 pm
Last year, I gather, Swindon Supermarine won the play-off final after finishing fifth like Uxbridge, winning two away games. This week both away teams won to get to this match when neutrals would have fancied Fleet v. Didcot. Uxbridge went into last weekend knowing they would have to win three tough away games on the trot if they wanted to guarantee promotion. Having disposed of first Farnborough, then Fleet, they probably feel they are on a roll and the one left certainly looks no harder than those two.
If City think that, having beaten them earlier in the season, tomorrow's match will be easier than Wednesday's, they could get a surprise. At this stage, nerves can play a big part. The occasion is itself a leveller. A lot depends on who can calm their nerves and settle first, and who has the players who can raise their game in matches like this one.
But I don't think City will underestimate their opponents, or shy away from the battle it will be. We haven't come this far just to lie down when things get tough. We showed fighting spirit (in a very clean match) on Wednesday, and refused to buckle under considerable pressure from high-scoring Didcot. All our players were 100% committed.
Both teams had hard matches a short time ago, and will be feeling the bruises still. Uxbridge have had less recovery time, but City had the longer, more draining match, and may feel that physically if we go into extra time again. But if it goes to penalties, City have the confidence which comes from having just won a shoot-out with five out of five.
The final is finely balanced. May the best team win, and may it not depend on a poor refereeing decision!
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