14 Jan. 2007 Tulse Hill 3 – GroundHoppers 5

Hoppers went into this game against Tulse Hill quietly confident of progressing into the next round of the cup. Hoppers also were looking to take revenge against a number of the Tulse Hill players that played against GroundHoppers in the 2004 George Harley cup final, which we lost.

Hoppers welcomed back goalkeeper Richard Greig and left midfielder Daniel Lloyd-Bennett; they were both to have big parts to play in the game.

The appointed referee was also to play a big part in the game, with decisions that were to confuse and annoy players & supporters from both teams.

Tulse Hill from the first minute were determined not to just roll over and let us go through, but on the balance of play and the number of excellent saves, from Tulse Hill goalkeeper Jamie Troy had to make, GroundHoppers were well worth their victory. Goals from David Rose, who converted from the penalty spot, following a handball. The second was started and finished by Stephen Wright, playing in Vinny Kenneth down the left; he crossed for Stephen to tap home. Stephen was on hand to finish after a rasping Vinny Kenneth toe punt, which the keeper could only parry into Stephen Wright's path. Stephen completed his hat-trick with his third tap in and Hoppers fourth. The final goal was created by David Rose, his deep left wing cross, found Andrew Huggins coming in at the far post, to expertly volley, back across goal for the fifth. Hoppers were glad to have won this game, but still concerned about the number of goals they are conceding this year. Peckham United, next week will be looking to take advantage of this weakness.

Greig, Eames(Lloyd-Bennett), Burgess, Patten, Pickard(Gadsdon), Canfield, Kenneth, Rose(1), Brown, Wright(3), Huggins(1).