CUP OF CHEER

At the fourth attempt Blues finally emerged victorious in a cup competition with this efficient display at Waltham Abbey on Tuesday evening. Two quality strikes from Anointed Chukwu and Joe Paxman were enough to see off a spirited Abbey team. Once again Paul Joynes shuffled the pack with Chukwu, Paxman and Callum Watts all starting . Ryan Sammons illustrated his adaptability slotting in at left back in the absence of Macca Joynes, David Knight dropping down to the bench.

The opening fifteen minutes was a non affair seeing little goal threat from either side until Aron Gordon livened matters with a swift break whipping in a teasing low cross just eluding Chukwu.

The hosts for the most part adopted a long ball approach looking for flick ons to bring their speedy wide men into play, although fleet footed the wide men flattered to deceive failing to produce that telling final ball, allowing the cultured Geoff Okonkwo and his partner Lewis Clark to deal comfortably with any threat.

It was Clark who had Blues first goal bound opportunity meeting a free kick into the box, but he could only nod the ball into Ashley Jones arms. Abbey quickly replied when the 9 put an effort just wide of the woodwork.

Blues got their noses in front on 38 minutes when good work by Paxman funnelled the ball to Chukwu who drilled the ball past the diving Jones.

HT 0-1

Abbey made changes after the break looking to get back in the game, but it was Gordon who so nearly increased Blues advantage early on when his drive whistled just wide of the upright.

A quick reply came in the shape of 14 setting off on a dazzling run, his angled rocket shot cannoned off the inside of the post and fortunately for Blues out of the danger zone. Although the chance lost, it instigated a period of Abbots pressure but once again the final ball and the accuracy of their shooting was found wanting.

Paxman, who was enjoying a productive evening effectively killed off the hosts chances when he picked up the ball drifted across the edge of the Abbey box sending in an arcing drive into the top corner on 63 minutes.

Blues with two goal lead played with control and could have increased their advantage - Watts on two occasions had goal scoring chances, but Jones kept the scoreline down with smart saves, sub Knight was also denied by the keeper when well placed to score.

Abbey continued to probe in the closing minutes with little success ensuring Blues at last could progress into the next round of a cup competition.

Sambridge, McQueen, Okonkwo, Clark, Sammons (Akins 74), Moncur (Before 62), Paxman, Hahn, Watts, Chukwu (Knight72), Gordon

Sub not used:Griek