The least said about this match, the better.

The pitch was fine, the weather was fine, we had a decent referee and everyone was ready for a competitive match against another top side.

With about 10 minutes gone and several very rash challenges from Bradley Stoke, Impact got a free kick just outside the corner of the box. The ensuing kick was intended as a cross and completely deceived keeper Palmer as the wind looped it over his head and into the far top corner.

The next goal came from a cross that saw “Andre the Giant” from Impact stand head and shoulders above anyone else’s jump to head home easily from close range.

The third goal of the half came courtesy of a couple of unfortunate bounces. First Harwood trying to clear and then Palmer beaten to it by an Impact player leaving a blue shirt unmarked in the box to easily slot home.

Half-time – nothing positive to take, just instructions to go out and do better.

The only improvement in the second half was two half chances and only 2 goals conceded. The first from a long ball past the defence and a mix-up between Harwood and Palmer that allowed the Impact winger to finish into an open net making it 4-0. The final goal was courtesy of several Impact players moving the ball around on the edge of the box unchallenged until one of them finally “toe-punted” the ball that flew in off the inside of the post.

A 5-0 defeat, a poor performance by every player on the pitch, including the opposition! But, most worryingly little chances created by the home side. Could their minds be on the cup final in 10 days time?

Whatever the reason, this was a feeling that everyone involved should remember and ensure it doesn’t happen again!

Match report courtesy of James Palmer.