Div 4 League AFC Freemasons v Davy Lamp - Draw 3-3
A very competitive and equal game throughout, Freemasons took the lead through a 25 yard shot/cross from Sean Smith, the Freemasons continued to attack but were pegged back by a rocket header by the Lamp captain following a corner, as the game approached HT the Lamp took the lead through a well worked goal and finish by No 9. As the second half started both teams played attacking football with the Masons equalising from the penalty spot through Ash Norman. With both teams looking for a winner the Lamp took the lead again through their captain with a back post header. With 90 minutes on the clock the Masons had a corner and sent up their Goalkeeper Tom Jenkins who amazingly equalised with a far post header to earn a well deserved point for both teams.
Cannock Chase Cup Rd 1 AFC Freemasons v Royal Oak - Won 2-1
A close game between two evenly matched sides. The Freemasons took an early lead through Lee Hickinbottom who cooly chipped the advancing keeper. Both teams continued to attack but it was the defences that held firm until the Oak scored a well deserved equaliser following a neat move and finish. With the game approaching extra time Andy Alden scored a superb chipped effort that earned a hard fought victory for the Masons and a passage into the next round of the Cannock Chase Cup.
Div 4 League Harrisons v AFC Freemasons - Won 3-1
A superb victory for the AFC Freemasons who only had 11 players available due to other commitments and injury. The game started brightly for the Masons who enjoyed long periods of possession and play. Gary Foulkes opened the scoring with a well converted penalty following good work from the impressive Matt Hay. The Masons doubled their lead through Lee Hickinbottom who finished in superb style. As the game approached HT Harrisons gave themselves hope with a well converted effort. The second half was a massive effort from the Masons players who had no subs to call on. As the game progressed Lee Hickinbottom fired in his second of the game to ensure all 3 points were going to the Masons in this A34 derby.
Div 4 League Globe Inn v AFC Freemasons - Won 3-2
The Freemasons arrived for this fixture full of confidence following their previous results and a full 16 squad to select from. Manager Alan Pithers stayed faithful to the starting 11 from the previous week but as the game started the Globe raced into a 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes. With the Masons having options on the bench they introduced Ryan Greenhouse and Matt Brotherton after 30 minutes who immediately made an impact and gave the Masons back their competitive edge in midfield, as the game approached HT Matt Brotherton converted superbly into the bottom corner to reduce the Globes lead. The second half started brightly for the away team who generated the clearer chances and then finally pulled level following a neat finish from Lee Hickinbottom. With both teams pushing for the winner it was the Masons who grabbed all 3 points when Ash Norman cooly slotted over the advancing keeper.
Div 4 League AFC Freemasons v Colliers Arms - Won 3-1
This eagerly awaited fixture couldn't have started better for the home team who took the lead after 15 seconds when Ash Norman slotted into the far corner from a long ball over the Colliers back four. The Masons were in complete control of the game and created chance after chance that went begging. Following a neat counter attack Ash Norman converted within the penalty area to score his and the Masons second of the game. The second half started the same as the first finished, with the Freemasons pushing forward and trying to increase their lead. The Colliers started to get a grip of the game and enjoyed some much needed possession and amazingly with their first shot on target hit the back of the net from 25 yards. With the score now at 2-1 the Colliers pushed forward for an equaliser but couldn't find a way past the well organised Mason defence. With an inspired substitution and Matt Brotherton moving to left wing the Masons regained their grip on the game and made the score 3-1 when Matt Brotherton scored with a well placed run and shot.
Div 4 League Colliers Arms v AFC Freemasons - Won 7-3
The Freemasons won this return fixture by a whopping scoreline of 7-3. All credit has to go to both teams for an entertaining encounter and to a very good referee who let the game flow. The Masons took the lead through Lee Hickinbottom who converted from the penalty spot, with the Masons creating many chances it was only time before they increased their lead which came from a superb corner from man of the match Ryan Greenhouse which was converted by Ash Norman. At half time the Masons lead 2-0 and never looked in danger of losing their lead. As the game re-started it was the Masons who scored first with Ash Norman converting a quick move with a neat finish, with the score at 3-0 the Colliers started to play football and decided to have a go, and credit to all concerned they scored 2 quick goals to reduce the score to 3-2 and finally they looked like a team capable of getting something from the game. The Masons were shell shocked but held out firm in defence and then started to get back into the game and finally added to their goals through Lee Hickinbottom who finished calmly after good wing play from Matt Hay. With both teams attacking Sean Smith added the Masons 5th after a goalmouth scramble. The game was now entering the last ten minutes when Matt Hay scored his first of the season and the Masons 6th of the game following a quick counter attack. As the game drew to a close it was Lee Hickinbottom who scored his 3rd of the game and the Masons 7th that finished the scoring and finally claimed all 3 points for table toppers AFC Freemasons who remain unbeaten all season.
Div 4 League AFC Freemasons v Travellers Rest - Won 4-0
The Freemasons continued their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable 4-0 victory. Rossi Hunt opened his account for the season after converting from a corner after 4 minutes. The Masons continued to attack but failed to convert any more chances before half time. As the second half started it was the Masons who continued to play the better football and create more chances, the second goal of the game came from a misplaced cross from Sean Smith that trickled into the bottom corner. The game started to open up with the Masons continuing to miss chance after chance, the third and best goal of the game came from man of the match Matt Brotherton who converted from 25 yards with a fierce drive from the outside of his right boot. The Masons completed the scoring after Adam Jones headed into the bottom corner following a quick counter attack. The Freemasons continue to lead the table and were pleased to record their first clean sheet of the season.
Div 4 League AFC Freemasons v Wheatsheaf - Lost 3-0
The Freemasons entered this top of the table clash looking for a sixth league win of the season. The game started brightly for the home team who should of took the lead from Gary Foulkes who saw his shot superbly saved from Jason Webb, the Masons continued to dominate but were unable to turn possession into goals. The Sheaf started to battle back into the game and were unlucky not to score when they hit the post. As the game opened up either team could of taken the lead and eventually the Wheatsheaf scored following a set piece and poor defending from the home team. The score stayed at 1-0 till half time. As the second half began the Sheaf continued to attack and started to dominate the key battles and added a second goal following a free kick into the box that was well headed into the top corner. The Masons continued to try and play football but their final passes were just not good enough on the day. The Sheaf completed the scoring with a well took lob in the last 15 minutes. As the game came to an end the Freemasons lost their unbeaten start to the season to a well organised and better team on the day. With a cup game next week the Masons will be making many changes and hope to bounce back into winning ways.
Sam Kimberley Round 2 AFC Freemasons v Dynamo Globe - Won 2-0
The Freemasons returned to winning ways with a well earned victory over the Globe. This fixture had a little edge as it was a re-match of last years Div 5 League Cup final which the Masons won in extra time. With 6 changes being made to the Masons lineup from last week it was the home team that looked more likely to open the scoring. Man of the Match Gary Taylor nearly scored but his header hit the crossbar. As the game flowed end to end it took a superb save from Tom Jenkins to keep the score level. With half time approaching Gary Taylor finally scored from a corner with a well placed header to give the Masons a 1-0 half time lead. As the second half began it was the Globe who upped their play and started to cause problems for the home defence. Tom Jenkins the home goalie produced 3 top draw saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0 and earn himself the joint Man of the Match award. As the game entered the last 10 minutes Gary Taylor scored his and the Masons second goal with a glancing header. As the game came to an end it will be the Freemasons who will be going into the next round of the cup.
Div 4 League Noahs Ark v AFC Freemasons - Won 2-6
In a potential banana skin game the Masons did enough to earn a comfortable win with some spells of good football. The match quickly became a physical encounter and sometimes became stop - start with a number of free kicks. However, the Masons broke the deadlock with a superb ball from Gary Taylor which split the defence and allowed Ash Norman to cooly flick the ball over the advancing keeper. This was followed up by an impressive turn and shot on the volley from Adam Jones for the Masons second. The Masons went in at half time 3-0 up after a typically good finish from Matt Brotherton. The score soon became 4-2 in the second half after the Masons conceded two innocuous goals and Gary Foulkes scored a header. The Masons didn't look in danger of losing their lead and still had control of the game when the hard working man of the match Ash Norman converted his second of the game and the Masons fifth in similar fashion to his first. The game was rounded off by captain Richard Vann notching his first of the season from a corner.
Div 4 league AFC Freemasons v Vine - Won 2-1
The Freemasons won this close encounter with a battling display that showed spirit and character within the team, the game started brightly for the Vine who enjoyed the better possession but it was the Masons who should of opened the scoring when Ash Norman failed to finish with just the keeper to beat. Both teams were committed and this showed with tackles flying in from both sides but the scoreline stayed 0-0 at half time. With both teams attacking it was the Masons who opened the scoring following a superb strike from in-form Matty Brotherton who finished with a crisp half volley just inside the box. The game was now flowing from end to end with both teams looking to break each other down. As the Masons attacked it was Matty Brotherton who added his second of the game and six of the season to put the Masons 2-0 up. With twenty minutes remaining the Masons won a penalty following good work from Lee Hickinbottom, as Matty Brotherton stepped up the Vine keeper pulled of a superb save to deny Brotherton his first hat-trick for the Masons. This save gave the Vine hope and they pushed forward looking for goals and they were unlucky not to score but Man of the Match Ross Hunt managed to clear a shot of the line when it looked more likely to score. With 10 minutes remaining the Vine scored with a superb shot from twenty yards that flew into the top corner. As the game approached full time it was the Masons who held firm for 3 well earned points that keeps them top of the table and in good form for next weeks local derby against Davy Lamp.
Div 4 League Davy Lamp v AFC Freemasons - Draw 1-1
In a very competitive local derby it was the Freemasons who completely dominated this game and should of came away with 3 points. The majority of the first half was played in the Lamps half with the Masons missing chance after chance, when they finally put the ball over the line the 'CHEATING' Lamps linesman flagged for offside even though their were 3 defenders on the line ??????. The Freemasons continued to attack and should of gone into the lead when the Gary Foulkes and Matty Hay took it in turns to try and score. Man of the Match Gary Taylor finally converted with a well placed header following a superb free kick from Lee Hickinbottom. As the half drew to an end it was a case of missed chances for the Masons that finally came back to haunt them. The second half began the same as the first with chance after chance going missing, this seemed to inspire the Lamp who started to get back into the game. The Lamp equalised following a mistake from the Masons defence who gave the ball away and then failed to clear their lines. With the score at 1-1 it looked more likely that the Masons would grab the winner but they seemed unable to deliver the final pass or shot on target. As the game neared the end Lee Hickinbottom broke free with only the keeper to beat but somehow he managed to scope the ball over the keeper and the crossbar. On a final note the Masons have had a whip round towards the referees retirement fund.
Div 4 League AFC Freemasons v Noahs Ark - Won 6-1
Freemasons got back to winning ways with a comfortable win over a very poor Noahs Ark team who preferred to hack away instead of trying to play. Recalled striker Ash Norman opened the scoring with a neat chip over the keeper. The Masons continued to attack and doubled their lead through Ash Norman who slotted home from close range, as half time approached Adam Jones added a third goal for the home team with a deflected long shot. As the second half began it was the Masons that continued to attack and looked more likely to score, the fourth goal was scored by Man of the Match Ash Norman who finished well to earn himself a hat-trick. The Masons looked like keeping a clean sheet until the referee awarded a harsh penalty against Matty Hay that was converted. As the Masons took the re-start they broke into the Noahs box and Matty Hay made up for his earlier mistake by scoring the Fifth goal. The scoring didn't finish there as Gary Taylor headed a corner into the back of the net for the Masons sixth goal of the game.
Sam Kimberley Round 3 Bridgtown Social v AFC Freemasons - Won 3-5
This 3rd round tie saw the division 3 leaders play host to the division 4 leaders, as the game began it was the Div 4 leaders who began more brightly and took an early lead through Ash Norman who beat the offside trap and finished superbly over the advancing keeper, as both teams settled it was the Masons who looked more settled and likely to score with both strikers going close. Bridgtown equalised following some poor defending following a corner. The Masons continued to attack and Matty Hay put them back into the lead following a strong run into the box and a cool finish into the bottom corner. The score stayed at 1-2 until Lee Hickinbottom scored after 50 minutes with a crisp shot into the bottom corner. With the Masons now leading 3-1 and having all the play it was no surprise that they added a fourth with the goal of the game from Lee Hickinbottom with a 25 yard left foot half volley that flew into the roof of the net. Bridgtown Social attacked immediately and scored following a mix up in the Masons defence to reduce the lead to 2 goals. With half hour remaining it was Bridgtown who piled on the pressure and scored a 3rd goal to make for an interesting final 20 minutes. With the game coming to an end it was Bridgtown who could of scored on 3 separate occasions with the last effort being cleared off the line and the Masons breaking away with Ash Norman scoring his second and the Masons fifth of the game to earn a well deserved victory over higher opposition. The Masons play host to FC Bloxwich in the next round.
Div 4 Cup Quarter Final Colliers Arms v AFC Freemasons - Won 0-1
This was the third meeting of these two teams already this season and the Masons managed to come out on top yet again. Both teams knew there was alot to play for with a place in the semi final of the cup at stake presenting a chance to progress to keys park. The Masons made many chances in the first half while keeping things tight at the back. However the midfield had to be readjusted after Ryan Greenhouse went off injured about 20 minutes in. The conditions were difficult for both teams with strong winds and this made passing difficult resulting in the game becoming a bit scrappy at times. The Masons continued to press the Colliers in second half and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty after the Colliers keeper pushed Ash Norman in the box and Lee Hickinbottom cooly slotted the penalty away in typical fashion to claim a well deserved victory. The Masons now face Harrisons in the semi - final.
Div 4 League AFC Freemasons v Harrisons - Won 3-2
AFC Freemasons recorded a league double over their close rivals with a well earned victory. On a horrible sunday morning the weather played a major part in a game of two halves, with the wind behind them in the first half it was Harrisons who dominated the game and took an early lead after 2 minutes. With the Masons penned in their own half it looked as Harrisons would score more but gritted defending and a bit of lady luck the score stayed 0-1 to half time. As the second half began it was the Masons who now enjoyed the wind and they were equal after 47 minutes when Matty Brotherton headed home a corner for his 7th goal of the season. With attack after attack it was a case of constant pressure that finally lead to Ash Norman converting a superb half volley for his 14 goal of the season. The Masons now had their tails up and scored the third goal following a crisp finish from Gary Foulkes. As the game entered the last 20 minutes Harrisons started to get back into the game and had a few half chances. The referee awarded a penalty to Harrisons which was converted to make the score 3-2 and a tense final 10 minutes which the Masons clung onto to gain 3 valuable points. The next meeting between these two teams is the semi-final of the league cup.
Sam Kimberley Round 4 AFC Freemasons v FC Bloxwich - Won 7-0
In what threatened to be a tough game against unknown opposition from the Walsall league the Masons ran riot. After creating constant chances Adam Jones opened the scoring with a neat finish from a corner after Ross Hunt had knocked the ball into his path. Matt Hay then doubled the score with a shot that went under the diving keepers body, before setting Andrew Alden up to make it 3-0 at half time with a quick counter attack and cool finish past the advancing Bloxwich keeper. Rather than sit back on their comfortable lead, the Masons went out to attack further in the second half. Changes were made as both Gary Foulkes and Ash Norman came on up front, Foulkes made an instant impression and capped an impressive solo run with a good finish into the bottom corner. Matt Brotherton continued the scoring in very similar fashion to Foulkes after a strong run forward from midfield. The Masons best team goal came next, after good work down the left hand side from a throw in Andy Alden got hold of the ball and played it into Ash Norman in the box who neatly and unselfishly flicked it onto Matt Hay leaving him to finish from a tight angle for his second. Ash Norman then completed the scoring to make in seven after beating the offside trap and slotting the ball into the bottom corner. The Masons now meet league rivals Wheatsheaf in the quarter finals.
Div 4 League Travellers Rest v AFC Freemasons - Won 5-1
AFC Freemasons returned to league action with a convincing win over bottom team Travellers. With the playing surface not at its best due to the heavy rain this game started with both teams struggling to find any tempo to their play. As the game progressed it was the Masons who were starting to create more and they could of took the lead on more than one occasion, the deadlock was finally broken when Gary Taylor powerfully headed home from a corner. The Masons continued to attack and missed chance after chance, they finally doubled their lead when Gary Taylor scored his second of the game following a throw in that he headed into the bottom corner the scored stayed at 2-0 till half time. As the second half began it was the Travellers who started the better team and they pulled two fantastic saves from man of the match Jason Winter in the Masons goal to keep the score at 2-0. This seemed to wake the Masons up who started to get control of the game and scored a third goal from Lee Hickinbottom who volleyed into the bottom corner from an inch perfect cross from Andy Alden. The Masons were pushing forward with attack after attack and Gary Foulkes scored the fourth goal with a crisp shot just inside the area. The Masons introduced Steve Barnett and Ben Bate for the last 30 minutes of play and it was Steve Barnett who played a wonderfull 30 yard pass to Ash Norman who converted number five for the Masons. As the game approached the last 10 minutes the Travellers scored a consolation goal to make the final score 5-1 to the Masons who remain top of the league.
Div 4 League AFC Freemasons v AFC Heath Hayes - Lost 2-0
The Freemasons lost their 2nd league game of the season to a well organised and committed Heath Hayes team. The game was played on pitch that didn't suit the Masons passing game but the home team didn't adapt as well as the visitors who defended very well. The first half was pretty even with the Masons having a goal ruled out for a foul on the oversized Heath Hayes goalie. The first half finished 0-0, as the second half began both teams created chances with the home keeper Tom Jenkins making a some good one on one saves. The Masons gave a freekick away about 25 yards out on goal, as the keeper was instructing his wall Heath Hayes took the kick which the keeper managed to palm onto the post but re-bound unfortunately hit him and went into the net. The Masons complained that the referee indicated that the kick was to be taken on his whistle but it seemed nobody heard him blow the whistle. As the Freemasons pushed forward for the equaliser they had a certain penalty turned down after Ash Norman was tripped within the area. The Masons pushed forward and were unlucky not to score when Sean Smith's volley hit the goalie. It was a frustrating day for the home side as Lee Hickinbottom squandered another chance with only to keeper to beat. As the Masons continued to attack Heath Hayes broke away and added a second goal. The Freemasons have a tricky game away at OCFC on sunday who still have hopes of finishing in the top two.
Div 4 League OC FC v AFC Freemasons - Won 3-1
AFC Freemasons returned back to winning ways with a well deserved victory over OCFC. Both teams started well with chances being created at both ends. The game flowed well which is credit to the referee and the nature of both teams who played the game in the right manor. As the game approached half time the Masons took the lead through Ash Norman who finished well following a quick counter attack. As the second half began it was the Masons who were now enjoying the majority of play but they were unable to add to thier goal tally. The OCFC equalised following a good move and neat finish. This goal sparked the Masons back into life and they quickly took the lead again when Man of the Match Andy Alden converted well following a Lee Hickinbottom cross. At 1-2 the game was evenly poised entering the last 25 minutes with both teams having chances to score. Sean Smith made a superb tackle to deny the OCFC from equalising. Lee Hickinbottom went on a superb run but was unable to beat the keeper. As the game was coming to end Ash Norman scored his 18th goal of the season and the Masons third of the game to ensure all 3 points were going the Masons. The next fixture for the Masons is a 1/4 final against local rivals Wheatsheaf in Staff's Sam Kimberley Cup.
Staffs Sam Kimberley 1/4 Final AFC Freemasons v Wheatsheaf - Lost 1-0
AFC Freemasons and Wheatsheaf produced a game of real quality that didn't deserve a loser. The Masons squad was depleted due to other commitments but all credit to the lads who played and gave their all in trying to reach the semi. The first half was end to end with both defences standing firm with little clear cut chances being created. As the second half began it was the Masons who looked more likely to score with man of the match Andy Alden causing havoc in the Sheaf defence with his pace and power. The best chance of the game fell to Matty Hay who's shot was saved at the near post. As the game entered the last 7 minutes the Wheatsheaf scored from a corner that took a deflection of Ross Hunts leg into the bottom corner. The Masons pushed forward for an equaliser but ran out of time and energy but they can be proud of their efforts.
Div 4 League Cup Semi Final AFC Freemasons v Harrisons - Lost 4-3
AFC Freemasons failed to return to Keys Park for a second consecutive final. The team selection was made even harder with the Masons 1st choice keeper Tom Jenkins and 2nd choice Jason Winter both missing. Central midfielder Matty Brotherton showed true courage by offering his services between the sticks. AFC Freemasons started the game more brighlty and took a 5th minute lead through Lee Hickinbottom who lobbed the keeper from 15 yards. The game then developed into an open affair with both teams creating chances and then Harrisons equalised before half time. As the second half started you could sense that Harrisons thought this could be there day as they seemed more competitive in the 50/50 challanges and looked more likely to score which they did in the 60th minute. AFC Freemasons battled there way back into the game and Matty Hay scored in the 77th minute to make the score 2-2. With both teams looking to settle this tie in normal time substitues were made and one from the Harrisons scored the goal of the game from 35 yards to take the lead. The drama wasn't over yet as vice captain Phil Green headed home a 85th minute corner to make the score 3-3. With the game approaching extra time a poor clearance lead to an Harrisons attack that led to a scrambled 89th minute winner to send them to the final with score at 4-3. The Masons would like to wish Harrisons and OCFC the best of luck in the final.
Div 4 League AFC Freemasons v OCFC- Won 5-0
AFC Freemasons recorded a league double over OCFC and returned back to winning ways with 3 well earned points. This game was all but over by half time as the Masons tore their oppenents appart with a 4 goal blast. The Masons opened the scoring when Andy Alden converted following a quick counter attack. The game was so one sided that the Masons looked like scoring at every attack, the second goal was added by Ash Norman for his 19th of the season. The 3rd goal was the best of the game that started with defence through to attack in 3 swift passes and a superb run and cross from Matty Hay that led to Andy Alden powerfully heading home just inside the box. With the game now at 3-0 the Masons made it 4-0 when an own goal was scored just before half time. The Masons started the 2nd half brightly and made 3 substitutions as the game was wrapped up when Sean Smith added a 5th goal to make the final score 5-0 to the home team and to keep alive the hopes of winning the league.
Cannock Chase Cup Rd 1 Yates Sports v AFC Freemasons - Won 2-1
This re-arranged fixture saw the Masons take on league 1 oppenents. The game was played in heavy rain that led to a very boggy pitch. The game started well for both teams who enjoyed plenty of possession but not many clear cut chances. Yates took the lead and this stayed the same up to half time. The second half started well for the Masons who created the better chances and they looked likely to equalise when the ref awarded a penalty who then changed his mind and awarded a free kick to Yates??????????? This strange decision seemed to make the Masons try that bit harder and they were rewarded when Matty Hay equalised in the 57th minute. The score stayed a 1-1 which led to 30 minutes of extra time. With both teams starting to tire more and more chances were coming to both teams but the score stayed the same. As the 2nd period of extra time kicked off the Masons introduced fresh legs up front in Adam Jones and Gary Foulkes who both caused immediate trouble for the home defence. As the game entered the last minute of extra time Adam Jones sent over a long throw in that led to a goalmouth scramble which saw Gary Foulkes poke home the winner and set up a 3rd round tie against Premiership Giants Magic Lantern.
Bill Davis Cup Rd 2 Harrisons v AFC Freemasons - Draw 1-1, Won 3-2 on pens
This 2nd round tie saw the 4th meeting between these sides with the Masons looking for revenge over there earlier cup loss. The game started slow with both teams working hard but little goal scoring oppurtunities. Harrisons took the lead following a goalkeeping error from Jason Winter who dropped a cross that was easily converted for a 1-0 lead. As the 2nd half got under way it was the Masons who looked more likely to score. Manager Alan Pithers introduced 3 quality players in Luke Machen, Gary Taylor and Lee Hickinbottom who all immediately made a difference and it was Gary Taylor who scored his 7th goal of the season to make the score 1-1. The score stayed the same for the remainder of the match and the extra 30 minutes leading to a penalty shoot out. Keeper Jason Winter went from villian to hero by saving 2 penalties and securing the Masons place in the 1/4 final against local rivals Wheatsheaf.
Cannock Chase Cup Rd 3 AFC Freemasons v Magic Lantern - Draw 2-2, Won 4-3 on pens
This 3rd round match saw the division 4 leaders take on the current premiership leaders. The game started with Masons kicking down the slope and creating the better chances. Both teams played football and were a credit to watch, the Masons took the lead following a quick attack that saw Gary Foulkes chip the advancing keeper for a well deserved 1-0 lead. The Masons continued to attack and took a well deserved 2-0 lead when Sean Smith finished well following a superb ball from Man of the Match Ash Norman. The score stayed at 2-0 till half time. As the second half began the Lantern made some changes and went to a 3-5-2 formation that immediately paid off when the Masons gave away a penalty that was converted in the 47th minute. With the Lantern now attacking down the slope it was them that enjoyed more possession and pressure. The Masons keeper Tom Jenkins was having a solid game and made a few important saves. The Lantern equalised following a powerful header from a corner. With the scores now at 2-2 the Masons decided to match the Lantern and go to a 3-5-2 formation, this decision changed the game in that it became more even in midfield and stayed at 2-2. Extra time was played in the same way as the previous 90 minutes with both teams attacking and defending well, the Lantern looked favourites to win the game as there fitness was starting show, the Masons put every effort into the last few minutes to ensure a penalty shootout occured. The following penalty shootout saw the Masons score 4 out of 5 kicks and keeper Tom Jenkins saving 2 kicks to earn a memorable victory and set up a 1/4 final tie against premiership side Hawkins.
Bill Davis Cup Quarter Final AFC Freemasons v Wheatsheaf - Won 1-0
AFC Freemasosn moved into the semi-finals with a well earned victory over local rivals Wheatsheaf FC. The Masons went into this game full of confidence following last weeks victory but they were unable to name the same starting eleven. With the Masons having no recognised keeper it was down to captain Richard Vann to put the gloves on. Both teams started well but there wasn't many clear cut chances as both teams were equally matched and cancelled each other out. The first half finished 0-0 with the home team just edging it. As the second half began it was the Masons who were now kicking uphill and against the wind but these seemed to encourage them to play football and keep the ball on the deck. Ash Norman went close for the home team but was denied by a last ditch tackle. The Masons continued to attack and Lee Hickinbottom also went close but was denied by the tackle of the match. The Masons were denied two penalty appeals but were awarded a penalty following a foul on Man of the Match Gary Taylor in the box. Gary Foulkes stepped up and converted with a well taken kick in the 82nd minute to give the Masons a 1-0 lead. The Wheatsheaf tried to lift there game but were unable to find a way past the well organised Masons. The Masons now look forward to a 1/4 final tie with premiership Hawkins on Thursday and a Semi-Final with Colliers on Sunday.
Cannock Chase Cup Quarter Final Hawkins v AFC Freemasons - Lost 2-1
Bill Davis Cup Semi Final Colliers Arms v AFC Freemasons - Won 2-0
Having dispatched of Harrisons and the Wheatsheaf in their tough route to the semi finals the Masons now faced the Colliers standing in their way of reaching the final at Keys Park. Some may have seen this game as a forgone conclusion as the Masons had won the previous three encounters between these two teasm this season. However, the masons knew that this was not the case and that their local rivals would be well up for beating them with pride as well as a place in the final at stake. The masons started well kicking down hill, they put pressure on and created a few early chances, one of which was converted by Gary foulkes with a stunning finish from the edge of the box giving the keeper no chance. The first continued the same way with the Masons back line dealing with most Colliers attacks comfortably, limiting them to only one shot of any meaning that was covered by Tom Jenkins. Around the half hour mark the Masons doubled their lead through a corner, the ball was bouncing around in the six yard box when Matt Brotherton capatilised on the slack defending and smashed the ball into the net. The second half became a bit more scrappy with players being booked and the ball being stuck in the middle of the pitch for long periods. However, both sides still had periods of pressure with the colliers having a spell of corners which the Masons dealt with well. The Masons also had chances to extend their lead through Ash Norman and Lee Hickinbottom after good bits of play but both were squandered by the keeper. Having seen out the victory the Masons are now looking forward to the final of the Bill Davis Cup against Hednesford Ex on the 22nd April at Keys Park. k.o. 3pm.
Div 4 League Vine v AFC Freemasons - Won 5-1
Bill Davis Cup Final AFC Freemasons v Hednesford Ex - Won 5-0
Div 4 League Wheatsheaf v AFC Freemasons - Lost 3-1
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