Spartan South Midlands Division Two representative team beat the Essex & Suffolk Border League 5-1 in the quarter final on 30th January

This match, which was played at Harwich & Parkeston FC on a difficult surface for both sides, was a close fought affair until an hour had been played. The first half was fairly even with chances at both ends with perhaps the hosts just shading it. The SSMFL had Shawn Ennis, the Captain and keeper Ashley Jenkins to thank for keeping the score level at the interval with some timely interceptions and saves.

Manager Paul Alleyne made some tactical changes at half time which had the effect of gaining control of the midfield.

On 64 minutes the SSMFL took the lead with a wonderful solo effort from Pat Daly, who when the crowd and defenders were expecting him to cross the ball from the goal line, opted to turn two defenders and from an acute angle clipped the ball past the keeper.

The lead was increased three minutes later when a cross from the right was headed in by Daniel Parsons, with the opponents appealing for offside.
This had the result of the Essex & Suffolk Border League throwing men forward in an attempt to get back into the game leaving gaps at the back.
The SSMFL could easily have increased their lead before they finally went three up on 82 minutes with another goal from Pat Daly, who whilst not connecting cleanly with his shot, deceived the goalkeeper and guided the ball into the far corner.
By this time the pace of the game and the conditions were starting to tell on the hosts, with the SSMFL players making their better fitness tell in testing conditions. The SSMFL increased their lead with their fourth goal two minutes later with Pat Daly completing his hat-trick.

The hosts did not give up and converted an unnecessary penalty on 90 + 2 minutes, but this was only a small consolation as in the third minute of time added Niall Williams completed the scoring, a just reward for his second half performance.
A thoroughly deserved victory overall with great credit to Pat Daly for his goals but a special mention to the back four and goalkeeper Ashley Jenkins who kept the scoresheet blank at the interval.

Man of the match you would expect to be Pat Daly but the general consensus from the SSMFL supporters was that the performance of Shawn Ennis, particularly in the first half merited serious consideration for his goal saving tackles, without which the result could have been very different.

The semi-final now awaits with the draw eagerly awaited. Already through are the Southern Amateur League, and the West Yorkshire League with the final place going to the winners of the Isle of Man or the Teesside League. The draw is expected week commencing 8 February.

Thanks also to the supporters who travelled to deepest Essex to support the team which was appreciated by all.