Matt Mundy reports on the crucial decisions which went against UEL.
UEL 2nd 2 – 3 University of Hertfordshire 2nd
Amidst much controversy, UEL 2nd team was knocked out of the BUCS cup on Wednesday afternoon, losing to University of Hertfordshire 2nd team at Memorial Park.
The home side had two goals disallowed – a headed goal which the referee penalised for hand ball, followed by a dubious offside decision in the 85th minute.
Two quick-fire goals for Hertfordshire just before half-time cancelled out Harry Tew-Robinson’s opener. Johan Caney-Brown’s penalty pulled UEL level in the second half. But a 65th minute Herts goal proved to be the winner.
The game began with robust tackles from both sides. Herts were the first to record a shot at goal 11 minutes in, but it was blazed over the bar.
Shortly afterwards the home side had the ball in the net. But the referee had already stopped play, having blown for a free kick.
UEL’s Tew-Robinson had a wonderful chance when he received the ball inside the box from a free kick, but he tapped it over in the 18th minute. Eight minutes later, he succeeded in giving his side the lead. Caney-Brown flicked the ball onto the striker who fired the ball in at the near post.
Shortly afterwards Tew-Robinson ran clear of the Herts defence and tried to round the keeper; but he recovered to deny the UEL striker.
The visitors turned the game on its head before the break when the East London defence was breached from a close-range finish. Moments later, they grabbed another with a through ball headed over the UEL goalkeeper.
A change to a more attacking 3-4-3 formation paid off five minutes after the restart for UEL, when Caney-Brown was brought down inside the box. He stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball into the right hand corner of the net.
In the next period the two teams were toe to toe, until a momentary lapse of concentration in the UEL backline allowed Hertfordshire snatch it with a cool finish from a tight angle.
East London fought back, making good use of long throws and set-pieces for the rangy Tew-Robinson, who had looked dangerous all afternoon.
Dylan Feehily’s free kick was helped in by a UEL centre back, but the referee saw a hand in it.
When a header from Tew-Robinson was saved five minutes later, Olly Souliby turned it in on the rebound – only to be judged offside.
UEL’s hopes of BUCS cup success have been dashed by these decisions.