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It was our second appearance at the annual event, and we were hoping to improve on last year's disappointing display where a number of poor performances meant we failed to progress to the latter rounds.
Last year we fell foul to poor starts and conceding cheap goals so clean sheets in our opening two group C games against Kidderminster and Preston B were encouraging. However, we were perhaps disappointed with the number of clear-cut chances created.
Our final group game against Crewe was a must win so when they took the lead from a well-worked set piece half way through the first half there were a few nervous looks on the sidelines. Manager Greavsey made a couple of changes at the start of the second half and they paid dividends when Leon Cunningham sent a header into the back of the net.
Game on. And it was not long before Ric met Greavsey's challenge to be more potent in front of goal by hitting in what would prove to be the winner. From fears we could drop out, we now found ourselves joint top of the group with Preston. With points, goal-difference and goals scored all equal, only a penalty shootout could settle things.
A defeat in sudden death in the shootout meant our next opponents would be Runcorn. After watching Preston's much fancied A team drop out of the competition, beaten on penalties by Crewe, we then faced a short delay before our game due to heavy rain.
Two indecisive moments at the back unfortunately cost us two goals early in the first half that really knocked us for six. We continued to create chances but they just failed to drop where we wanted them, and our luck was summed up when Brad sent a penalty soaring over the crossbar in Gifton Noel-Williams style.
So despite dropping out at the quarter final stage, we went home with our heads held high, and we go into our preparations for the Worldnet tournament with confidence high.