Barnes Group had made it this far on the back of a 2-1 win over John Grose whilst Ipswich Postals thumped Call Connection 4-0, so both teams would have been confident going into the match.
Postals very nearly got off to a dream start in the first minute; Callum Moran’s cross from out on the right wing picked out Ben Turley at the back post but he skied his volley from 12 yards.
However, just four minutes later they were in front; Michelle Buglione’s free kick found Chris Elden, his strike bounced back off the post and into the path of the on rushing Barnes defender Simon Roberts who was helpless as the ball deflected off him and into the back of the net from 6 yards.
The Postals continued to pressurise Barnes Group who had not got going at all, and Tony Garnham made a great punch under pressure to keep Striker Ian Mitchell out. It took 17 minutes for Barnes to register their first effort on goal; a 25-yard free kick from Dan Sheldrake went just over the crossbar.
Postals’ Ben Turley was a constant threat for the Barnes defence, and his dipping 30-yard volley had Garnham scrambling across his goal. Barnes responded 5 minutes later when Matt McLaughlin saw his looping header cleared off the line by Jamie Moran. Postals broke up field and Callum Moran showed great pace to break free of the defence but Tony Garnham pulled off a superb save one-on-one to deny him.
Postals continued their dominance and should have been 2-0 up in the 38th minute when Barnes failed to clear a corner and Postals Striker Ian Mitchell smashed over from 6 yards with the goal gaping. Barnes were struggling to cope with the number set pieces they were forced to defend and Buglione again provided great delivery, this time his free kick found the head of Elden who saw his powerful header well saved by Garnham.
On the stroke of half-time Postals were reduced to 10 men; Callum Moran, who had been cautioned for a reckless challenge earlier in the match, was again high and late leaving the referee no alternative but to issue a second caution followed by a red card.
Half-Time Score – Ipswich Postals 1 Barnes Group 0
The second half started with Barnes Group looking to take advantage of their extra man but neither could keep hold of the ball and the game became rather scrappy. The first chance of the second half came in the 56th minute and fell to Nathan Brame, but the Postals midfielder saw his effort comfortably saved by the Garnham.
8 minutes later, Ian Mitchell was again guilty of missing a fantastic opportunity; the lively Turley latched onto the end of a cross from wide on the right and the Garnham saved well but could only parry the ball out to Mitchell on the penalty spot but he blazed his effort well over the bar.
The game should have been all over but the let-off seemed to motivate Barnes who began to take the ascendancy. Aiden Woods' cross found Matt McLaughlin in the 6-yard box but Postals ‘keeper Matthew Dines dived out and smothered the ball at his feet before he could his shot away. Dines was again called into action just a minute later when he superbly intercepted Matt Ramplin's cross at full stretch with three Barnes players queuing up behind him to put the ball in.
Play really began to open up as Postals sat deeper and deeper to protect their lead and Barnes pushed players forward at every opportunity and there were half chances at either end but no clear-cut chances.
The next real goal scoring opportunity fell to Barnes skipper Damien Kerry, Striker Matt Ramplin teed the shot up for Kerry on the edge of the box and his low shot was destined for bottom corner until Dines somehow got a hand to it to turn it round the post.
Barnes were awarded a corner in the last minute of stoppage time and sent all but one forward, including 'keeper Garnham. The cross came in and Simon Roberts saw his glancing header drift inches wide of the far top corner, much to the despair of the Barnes supporters and the delight of those cheering for Postals among the strong 70-plus crowd.
The next piece of action was the Final Whistle which sent the Postals into raptures as the Barnes players dropped to their knees, and a game that had chances a plenty finished 1-0, with Ipswich Postals going on to face either ISG Jackson or Ipswich Area Police in this year’s Final.
Special thanks to Ipswich Wanderers FC for their excellent hospitality and making the occasion one to remember for all those involved.
Final Score – Ipswich Postals 1 Barnes Group 0
Barnes Group (Blue Shirts, Navy Shorts & Navy Socks):
Starting Line-up: Tony Garnham, Matt Shore, Darren Knights, Andy Gray, Danny Wilson, Simon Roberts, Damien Kerry, Aiden Woods, Matt McLaughlin, Tom Pearce & Dan Sheldrake
Subs: Mark Reason & Matt Ramplin
Ipswich Postals (Red & White Shirts, White Shorts & Red Socks)
Starting Line-up: Matthew Dines, Kevin Byles, Jamie Moran, Michelle Buglione, Craig Hearsum, Chris Elden, Callum Moran, Nathan Brame, Lee Hammond, Ian Mitchell & Ben Turley
Subs: Byron Banthorpe, Wayne Farthing, Mark Ransome, Stewart Salisbury, Irvin Flaherty
Suffolk FA Man of the Match:
Michelle Buglione (Ipswich Postals)
The Postals midfielder kept the ball moving and provided excellent delivery from set pieces. Also had a hand in the winning goal.
Next week's Semi-Final between ISG Jackson and Ipswich Area Police takes place at Ipswich Wanderers FC on Thursday 19th March at 7.30pm.