Eastbourne Dynamos took on Wheatsheaf Willingdon in the Quarter Finals of the Eastbourne Challenge cup on Saturday. Manager Gary Taylor decided to make numerous changes to try and stop the recent run of defeats, and for the first 45 minutes the plan was going well. Dynamos stormed out the blocks and had been awarded their first corner within a minute of the kick off. The first half produced some impressive end-to-end attacking football from both teams. Dynamos attacked with speed down the wings, but failed to turn their chances into goals. Wheatsheaf were also guilty of missing their fair share of chance. Dynamos took the lead midway through the half when a neat attacking move was nearly finished well, but the keeper saved Stephen Fletcher's shot. But luck seemed to be with Dynamos as the keeper could only parry the ball before it hit Fletcher and crossed the line. Dynamos should have gone in at half time further ahead if they could have taken some of the very good chances that went their way. The second half saw a much different game, as Wheatsheaf took control of the game and camped inside the Eastbourne half. Dean Pugh did have a chance to reduce some of the pressure on his defence, but his shot was well saved after being put through by Fletcher's pass. Wheatsheaf were soon level when a cross into the six-yard box was not dealt with and their striker knocked the loose ball in at the back post. Dynamos had looked suspect when it came to defending corners, and were punished when the Wheatsheaf player was first to the ball and headed in to give his side the lead. Wheatsheaf went further ahead when some neat passing cut through Dynamos and their striker finished off the move well. With Dynamos looking to try and get back into the game, the tie was well and truly killed off when Wheatsheaf again scored from a corner, this time their midfielder beat Martin Bell to the ball and headed in for his team's fourth goal of the game. There was time for Dynamos to score a consolation goal. Jeff Ferguson hassled the Wheatsheaf full back into giving up possession. Ferguson had time to tee up Neil Taylor who slotted the ball past the Wheatsheaf goalkeeper at his near post. |
