Page 12 - Eagle Eye Summer 2022

Wyton FC LSAFL Div 2/3 Cup Review
By AS1 Liam Parker
On 18 May 22, RAF Wyton wrapped up their 21/22 season by playing in the final of the Lincolnshire Services Association Football League Division 2/3 Cup. It was a long and arduous path to the final which included six periods of extra time and two dramatic penalty shootouts. Wyton’s Path to the final included a first-round win on penalties against Carver Barracks, an extra time win against 1 Military Working dogs and another win on penalties in the semi-finals against Coningsby Vets.
Whilst rumours circled that the final would be played at LNER Stadium home of Lincoln City, Wyton instead had to settle for playing at Eslaforde Park in Sleaford against Wittering Reserves. The game kicked off at 1600 and saw a nervy opening 10 minutes for Wyton as they adapted to the warm conditions and hard, bobbly pitch. The large majority of the first half was a tense, cagey affair with both sides struggling to get going and play football. Wyton’s biggest threats came in the form of their wingers, Cpl Paul Speight and AS1 Isaac Kaye, who on occasion were able to get in behind of the oppositions full backs and take up dangerous positions. With five minutes of the half remaining and in a drastic stroke of misfortunate, one of Wyton’s key players, Cpl Mat Ferguson, went down injured. To add insult to injury Wittering managed to score a few minutes later with a world-class strike which nestled into the top corner far out of the reach of Sgt Alex Vasper.
The second half started in the worst possible way for Wyton as they stumbled out of the blocks and failed to deal with a cross which SSgt George Franklin deflected
into his own net. Realising the gravity of the situation manager Sgt Steve Davidson made a switch up top and brough on Sgt Will Riding. The change in personnel had an immediate impact with Wyton starting to string some passes together and stretch the Wittering defence. With the 60-minute mark just gone Wyton had their best chance of the game after an excellent through ball put Sgt Riding behind the Wittering backline. The goalkeeper rushed the Wyton striker as he moved towards the left-hand corner of the six-yard box but could do nothing as the ball rolled past him into the path of the oncoming AS1 Jack Benham. With the goal wide open and AS1 Jack Benham a few yards out Wyton’s players and supporters began to cheer. The ball however did not hit the back of the net but instead sailed high above the crossbar into the adjacent field. A formation change soon followed and allowed Wyton to further dominate possession with a goal seemingly around the corner. The momentum was very much in Wyton’s favour with Wittering struggling to contain the pressure. Wyton again went close when a Sgt Riding freekick thundered off the woodwork from 25 yards out. Substitution AS1 Brandon Leir was causing a threat down the right-hand side and getting into the same dangerous positions which Wyton’s wingers had been taking up all day. It was not meant to be for RAF Wyton however and the referee blew
his whistle ending their season in the most disappointing manner. It was a game many felt that on a different day could have gone a different way. The disappointment did not last long though as the team headed out into Lincoln for some well-deserved pints and wings.
Anyone interested in playing for Wyton FC should contact Sgt Steve Davidson or AS1 Liam Parker. Training is on Mondays at 1600 on the AstroTurf.
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