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The County Cup semi final was played at Hampton & Richmond’s Beveree Stadium. The Dons had the better of the early exchanges and were certainly winning the midfield battles. On 16 minutes Terry Carlin controlled the ball, and almost “Drogbaesque” like powered through two defenders and coolly fired home past the keeper to put the Dons in front. This spurred the Dons on and they started creating more chances. There was a long break after the Tooting & Mitcham keeper was injured after a challenge involving Ebenezer Isiakpona. When play resumed the Dons capitalised on the situation after hard work by Terry Carlin on the left found Ebenezer in space to finish superbly to extend the Dons lead just before half time.
Again in the second half the Dons were looking to score another goal to finish off the game. They came close on a number of occasions, none more so when somehow Tom Bingham’s shot was cleared off the line. With six minutes remaining Tooting & Mitcham scored a lobbed goal which clipped the underside of the bar and dropped in. This set up an anxious last few minutes, especially when Tooting & Mitcham were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the area. Luckily for the Dons the effort sailed over the bar.
A word of credit must go out to the Dons’ defence today, they were immense and limited Tooting & Mitcham to very few chances.
This victory sends the Dons through to the County Cup final against Meadow Sports on 5 April at Chipstead’s ground.
