After a brief seaside holiday last weekend, the Green Army stayed at home to watch table-topping FCP Reserves take on Deeping United. It was a chance to see some familiar faces, including a club legend who we hope to see back in Green one day.

The match began with an early setback for FCP, as former fan-favourite Hamza assisted another ex-FCP player, Harry, to make it 1-0 to Deeping. Moments later, controversy struck. The referee made a baffling decision, overruling a clear offside to allow Hamza to double Deeping’s lead. It was a poor call, but unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the last questionable decision from the officials.

Would FCP regret letting Hamza go?

Not for long! FCP quickly responded with Dom calmly slotting home to pull one back, making it 2-1. The momentum shifted, and soon after, FCP levelled the score. Game on!

In an unusual twist, a mid-half change of linesman brought some much-needed calm and sensibility to the officiating, but the referee’s blunders continued. One glaring moment saw an FCP player taken out from behind with no foul given.

Just before half-time, the breakthrough came. GOAL! Liam unleashed a thunderous strike that seemed to punch a hole through the goalkeeper’s hands, giving FCP the lead at 3-2.

FCP went into the break on top after some impressive football to end the first half.

HT: FCP Reserves 3-2 Deeping United

The second half began with yet another outrage from the officials. Abulai was clearly hacked down in the box, but no penalty was awarded. It looked like a stonewall penalty, and the frustration in the stands was palpable.

The match’s drama reached another level when Deeping were awarded a penalty of their own, alongside a second yellow for Mohmin, who was sent off for a supposed handball while protecting his face. A harsh and absurd decision. Deeping converted from the spot to make it 3-3.

Down to 10 men, but undeterred, FCP continued to play their fast, attractive football. The ever-dangerous Abulai rose highest to head in and restore the lead, 4-3 to FCP! Moments later, he added another after some slick build-up play, making it 5-3. The ten men were unstoppable.

Deeping responded quickly, pulling one back to make it 5-4, and the defending could have been tighter. The final moments of the game descended into chaos as both teams saw a player sent off after a clash that reminded everyone that this sport is about kicking the ball, not each other!

With the match reduced to 9v10, FCP showed resilience and saw out the game. A fantastic result, especially given that FCP were effectively playing against 12, thanks to some questionable officiating!

FT: FCP Reserves 5-4 Deeping United

FCP continue to lead the Premier League, and rightly so. A hard-fought win with plenty of drama, but the Greens march on!

Green Army MOTM: Adil

Come on, Green Army!