Monday, 12 December 2011

Paul Cartmell Memorial Trophy semi-final results

Boston Rock's incredible four-season winning streak in this competition is brought to a halt.

Fred West Landscape Gardening XI 2 v 4 The Fabulous Artisans
Real Muppets 4 v 2 You Know Your Boston Rock FC

We have to start with the exit of Boston Rock. After four years and 20-something games unbeaten in this competition Sheriff's PCMT reign comes to an end. The Muppets may be propping up the league but had shown signs of stirring in the last couple of weeks. Ryan's team took a first-half lead when Raum Meireles timed his run perfectly to arrive on the end of Daniel Sturridge's cross and volley home. Scott Sinclair had Boston Rock back on terms 11 minutes into the second half when his shot was deflected home. The game burst into life again on 82 minutes when Thomas Vermaelen left the field with a clean sheet before Frank Lampard notched a second equaliser from the spot. Two Muppets own goals had settled the league match between these sides a couple of weeks ago but it was two cleans from Ryan's team this time that settled the match in his favour. Laurent Koscielny and Daniel Agger will be the men whose names are recorded as ending Sheriff's incredible PCMT run.

The other semi took a similar pattern. Fred had lost Lucas Leiva and Nemanja Vidic to season-ending injuries and the defender's loss was felt as early as the second minute when Mario Balotelli beat the offside trap, rounded the keeper and calmly rolled the ball home. The Italian showing no after effects from his curfew-breaking curry and rolling-pin swordfight. Fred was level 15 minutes later when Nani cut in from the left and scored with a low shot. The Artisans were ahead again before the break when Marc Albrighton steered home a cross from the left from close range. Nani levelled again on 56 minutes when he converted from six yards but the turning point came eight minutes before the end when Younes Kaboul saw red for Fred for a second booking. Ben's team proved too strong and cleans from Martin Skrtel and Johan Djorou put him into his first WSFFL final.

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