DHL
Prague Red had many reasons for optimism
going into their semi-final against Barcelona
Adventure. They had fond memories of
Plate semi-final success just 6 weeks ago in
the Prague Trophy, they'd had the chance to
recharge their batteries courtesy of their bye
in the Quarter-Finals, they'd just given Red
Light Runners a good run for the money, a better
group record than their opposition and beyond
that - they were playing good football. In their
way was Barcelona Adventure who despite finishing
5th in their group were on the back of two wins
in two - including DHL Prague Blue. The rest
must have done the Czech team well as they swept
aside their Spanish opposition with their biggest
win of the tournament so far. The DHL forwards
enjoyed themselves as it proved one game too
far for Barcelona Adventure. Dan Findley, Rupert
Baltrock (2), Stephen Parry, Gareth Evers and
Will McCollum all finding the net to outperform
Olivier's solitary strike for the Spanish. The
final score of 6-1 sent DHL Prague Red through
to the final in convincing style. A lucky scoreline
for DHL Prague who won their Prague Trophy semi-final
by the exact same scoreline.
The
next semi-final saw two English teams come face-to-face
as Prisoners
took on 3 Lions FC.
At stake was a place in the final of the 2008
Barca Fives Plate Final against DHL Prague Red.
Some added spice for the Prisoners was they
had met DHL Prague in the semi-finals of the
2008 Prague Masters final and had beaten them
4-3 in Golden Goal extra time. They would relish
the chance to play them again and would carry
confidence into the game. 3 Lions FC were in
unchartered territory but must have been on
a high after a convincing quarter-final win.
Their semi-final performance proved to be even
better though as they swept aside the Prisoners.
6-1 seemed to be the fashionable scoreline of
the hour as 3 Lions FC scored as many goals
in this game as they had in the entire competition
up to this stage. Stacey Cross, Micahael Monaco
(2), Alex Mott (2) and Andrew Dutton all celebrating
goals as Justin Phillips goal for Prisoners
was met with a more sober celebration.
A
disappointing end for the Prisoners who, by
their own admission, had an off day. We are
sure they will be back and be able to recreate
their Prague form in the future.
On
to the final we go.....
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