⚽️ Williams
🅰️ Arnold

A dramatic late winner from captain Connor Williams booked CSKA’s place in the Arthur Moore Cup Semi Final after a nail-biting encounter against Sileby Athletic at Rawlins. The 87th minute goal was all that was able to separate the two sides, in what looked to be a stalemate heading for extra time.

CSKA welcomed back Matt Westerman and Connor Williams to give the defensive line a bit more of a familiar look following last week’s defeat at Top House, whilst top-scorer Olly Arnold was also back in the starting line-up. 

CSKA began the brighter of the two sides with Caine Ward in exceptional form on the right-flank creating chances for both Olly Arnold whose cleaver flick was well saved, and Dave Payne who steered his shot wide. The visitors had the best chance of the half however, as a through pass was taken around Tej Shah and as it looked to be rolling in, Hiran Mistry appeared from nowhere to smash the ball clear off the line.

The energetic front 5 of CSKA were performing their pressing duties brilliantly, and forcing the Sileby defence to clear their lines into a headwind that was easily cut out by the back three who were consistently winning headers. Speaking of headers, Matt Westerman’s header on the end of a Connor Williams freekick sailed just wide.

Into the second half still at 0-0, the game turned into a well poised chess match. Few clear cut chances, but a lot of good football on display despite the windy conditions. The CSKA defence held strong against any attack, which Sileby Athletic seemed to be running out of ideas with. Tej Shah was called into action a few times to sweep up balls in behind including a beautifully won diving header. The midfield duo of Dan Danes and Hiran Mistry screened the defence superbly for 90 minutes and were always looking forward in their role.

Roger Huang was a constant menace on the wing, starting left and then moving to the right, he ran the full backs ragged and provided the energy in the final part of the game which was needed.

Matt Danes came on for Ruben Capp who had done a fantastic job in the advanced central midfield role, breaking up any attempts from Sileby to get confident in possession of drive deeper players into the midfield. Matt was immediately involved following a neat exchange with Olly Arnold and Roger Huang his well struck shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

James Lewis entered the fray for Caine Ward for the last 20 minutes, and once he got settled into the game, showed a real impetus to attack against a defence that was showing signs of fatigue, creating chances and winning a few corners. One such corner from Dave Payne with just 3 minutes left was touched on by Olly Arnold and the loose ball was smashed home by Connor Williams for his second goal of the season.

The response from Sileby never came, and in fact CSKA had the better opportunities in the final minutes, with James Lewis coming close to finishing off a superb solo run.

Referee Akil Howson drew the game to a close and CSKA celebrated a thoroughly deserved victory. A patient display, but a dominant one at that. CSKA went with the intention of owning the home pitch and the lads delivered. A second clean sheet of the season was celebrated also. 

CSKA will be straight into semi-final action next week, against another Alliance Premier side in CFA.