Wandsworth Borough Vets hosted Kew Park Vets in the AFA Over 40s Cup on a crisp Half Term weekend, missing a few regulars — including our goalkeeper — against opponents from the league above. It was always going to be a tough ask, but the lads rose to the challenge.

Despite finishing goalless after 90 minutes, this was far from a dull 0-0. Both sides created plenty of chances and the game was played in great spirits. Borough defended superbly, with Carl largely untroubled until he made way for Watkins on the hour mark. Watkins then produced two fine saves late on as the game opened up, while at the other end Jackson, Berryman, and Hogan all went close, denied by some poor finishing or they would say “good goalkeeping”.

Jacko did find the net with a well-worked move, but the referee’s flag cut short the celebrations — a questionable offside call that was later ‘balanced out’ when Kew weren’t awarded what looked a certain penalty. It was that kind of afternoon.

Every man put in a proper shift. There were strong tackles, a few mistimed ones, with Spud Murphy collecting a yellow for a challenge that made everyone wince. By full-time, 0-0 felt about right. A cracking cup tie all the same.

With tired legs and a creaking squad, the gaffer tried to persuade the ref to go straight to penalties, but Kew insisted on extra time. They eventually broke the deadlock after Borough got caught playing out from the back and failed to deal with a cross. It looked like the end, but a late free kick gave us one last chance — and Jacko made it count, smashing home from the edge of the box to level it at 1-1.

So, to penalties. The gaffer had his list ready, with Spud Murphy first up — his penalty record over 30 years for Borough was impeccable. Unfortunately, this time his effort clipped the outside of the post. Kew converted all four of theirs and took the shootout 4-2 to advance.

Beers followed, as did the inevitable debrief back at the Beattie — with plenty of discussion about Spud’s yellow and that penalty. A tough exit, but a performance full of heart and spirit.

McNally scooped MOTM with 6 votes. Notable mentions to Watkins who got 4, with Deano, Hogan and Rob Del also getting votes.