The 2022 edition of the DK Cup took place on 30 July and scorching temperatures didn’t dull the action. Due to pre planned holidays, some Mos Eisley and Ace Squad regulars were missing but new faces ably deputised in their absence. A balanced first half turned on 4 moments, the first of which occurred after 6 minutes and saw Ace Squad break the deadlock. Robbie Williams’ (no not that one) long cross into the box evaded (an injured) East in the Mos Eisley goal and Casper Steedman tapped
home. Ace Squad doubled their lead when Steve Williamson’s goal kick looped over the Mos Eisley back 4 and landed at the feet of Casper who rounded East for his second of the game. 3 minutes later, Ace Squad went through up following another Robbie Williams long ball down the line to Damon Boone, who drove into the penalty area and finished smartly. Just before the break, Mos Eisley had the chance to reduce the arrears when Lindley’s back heel fell to Ash Williams, but
Michael Casey made a timely block to keep Ace Squad’s lead intact.
The half time break featured a flurry of substitutions and tactical changes which saw Mos Eisley apply more pressure to the Ace Squad goal. Despite having more possession, Mos Eisley were not working Williamson in goal thanks to some fine last ditch defending by Ace Squad and also lacking some quality in the final ball. Ace Squad also remained a threat on the break and could have increased their lead if it wasn’t for East’s bravery off his line. With 10 minutes of the 90 remaining,
Mos Eisley tried their luck from distance through Pereira and Riley although their efforts were comfortably saved. Riley went closer two minutes later, as he took down a partially cleared corner before striking the underside of the bar from 20 yards. After scrambling the ball clear, Ace Squad quickly countered and Tom Chesire released Casper (seemingly in an offside position) who rounded East and slotted home for his hattrick ending any chance of a comeback. Sean Stewart’s side added a
coup de grace just before the full-time whistle, as the Ace Squad Captain’s back heel in a crowded Mos Eisley box reached Liam Sullivan who poked home. 5-0 it ended but the game was tighter than the scoreline suggested.
James