Despite being one division Surbiton’s senior, the Surb came into the cup clash versus The Willoughby Arms as firm favourites having handed them an 8-1 drubbing in the league cup back in October.

It was clear, however, that this was a much-changed WIllougby side from the previous encounter, with just a handful of familiar faces lining up for the opposition. Early pressure began as R. Geer and C. Banks partnered up front once more, and C. Brown pressed high from the centre of midfield to act almost as a false 9 with Banks and Geer enjoying wider roles in the opening encounters.

The Willoughby offered an early warning side as a long-ball over the top evaded both S. Bennett and D. Shortt who raced back to intervene but for little reason as the imposing M. Francis, now looking to be a more permanent fixture between the Surbiton sticks, rushed off his line and smothered the maiden Willoughby chance.

As the half approached half-way through, R. Geer had some joy in dropping deep to receive the ball, and Surbiton’s aerial authority posed a threat once more, forcing a couple of good saves from distance. Additionally, a series of corners and the classic Surbiton long-throw proved messy work for the Willoughby who looked shaken in trying to divert these attacks away from goal. Whilst the majority of the goal-searching came courtesy of the Surb, the half was fairly even, leaving the score 0-0 at the break.

By no means a bad first half performance, the boys in green were confident going into the second 45 but were acutely aware that the next goal would be integral in the match. Inspirational words from L. Snowdon, making his managerial debut, were enough to fire the boys up and the second half began with increased tenacity and a desire to get the business done sooner rather than later.

F. Khan entered the impenetrable back-three for a long-awaited return and quickly sent a series of raking long balls down the right flank for M. Brown, another recent entrant to the field of play, to run onto – subsequently wreaking havoc with his pace and dogged running.

Although this pattern of play had a dress rehearsal or 2, it was of no benefit to The Willoughby who were rocked by M. Brown’s movement and could do little but watch on as C. Brown sent a first-time volley slamming into the roof of the net following a teasing and tenacious cross from his namesake on the right flank.

As is often the way with the opening of the scoresheet, the boys in green marched ever onwards in pursuit of another and were dominating the proceedings from the hour mark and beyond.

Not too much time amassed before some comfort was added to Surbiton’s lead with C. Banks, who had enjoyed a field day against the opposing full-back, stole in to rifle the ball into the net from 12 yards and send The Willoughby into meltdown.

R. Geer, having slipped into the heart of the midfield to see the game out, was assertive and instrumental in the further dominance as he repeatedly turned over possession and began to mount attack after attack.

A third goal was in the net, and awarded, but for the protests of The Willoughby who complained against an intricately worked free-kick having been taken too fast, robbing M. Brown of a wholeheartedly deserved goal. Although the goal had been awarded and the centre-spot pointed to, the heat of the protesting Willoughby forced the referee into reversing his decision and the set-piece was subsequently re-taken, with less memorable results.

Not quite the 8-1 drubbing handed to The Willoughby back in October, but yet another confident, dominant and complete performance for the Surb to notch onto their tally for the season.

The fourth round beckons, a huge clash against Sporting Santos FC after the Winter break.

UTS x

Matchday Squad: M. Francis, A. Banks, A. Sweeney, D. Shortt, A. Charles, J. Crawley, K. Sweeney, C. Brown, S. Bennett, R. Geer, C. Banks, M. Brown, F. Khan, K. Russell.