No Shame As Stanley Finally Succumb.

[The Alchemist]

The previous FA Cup encounter was a somewhat dour affair that did not set the country alight. Alan Hanson saw little merit in the match that saw Stanley beat a 10 man Huddersfield Town team 1 0. Andy Gouck’s swerving, dipping, speculative shot beating the tiny replacement Huddersfield goalkeeper.
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What a difference four years can make. Both teams now play one league higher. But the match showed how far Stanley have journeyed in that time. The game was entertaining, absorbing with both teams willing to produce fast flowing football of the highest order. That Stanley matched their League One opponents for most of the game is a credit to the club. It was only at the death did Huddersfield draw level with a tremendous, unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. And then snatch their victory which on balance of their second half performance they might claim as a just reward but I would not agree.
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Huddersfield opened strongly but a sublime free kick from Cavanagh finding virtually the only possible gap set them back. They were then rocked when D’Sane fed Mullin to score Stanley’s second. Booth from Huddersfield had been on the end of a beating once before and the omens were not looking good. Dunbavin was rarely troubled in this first half until Roberts just missed his tackle and Kamara on the Whinney Hill side slotted the ball home quite clinically.
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In the second half Stanley’s chances were few. D’Sane having recovered from injury flashed a drive agonisingly close to the far post. Stanley kept up the tempo in a fast, clean and evenly matched game. Huddersfield’s class then began to show and Dunbavin again as at Morecambe began producing saves of the highest order. With time running down Huddersfield managed to overcome their previous defeat much to the glee of their visiting support.
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Stanley’s core of vocal entertainers did not let the team down and their encouragement was persistent. The Huddersfield fans fearing a defeat seemed subdued throughout the match. Only at the very end did they feel confident to show their appreciation. Without wishing to pour cold water on their enthusiasm they will NOT see Huddersfield Town in the final of the FA Cup at Wembley. I am not a betting man, but I will put good money on it !
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Upholding Traditional Values In The Modern Game<o></o>