‘Cup defeat will build character’
Johnson ‘gutted’ after Windsor & Eton bow out of cup
Windsor & Eton’s journey in the Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftree Trophy came to a disappointing end on Saturday afternoon as Burghfield emerged as narrow winners in the semi-final match at a fan-filled Stag Meadow.
Despite their recent losses in the Thames Valley Premier League, Matty Angell’s men were in high spirits heading into the weekend as they hadn’t tasted a defeat to the Fielders in two previous encounters.
But a victory wasn’t to be for Windsor & Eton on this occasion as, in front of a crowd of over 400, Burghfield’s Jordan Cox scored the only goal of the game in the 39th minute with both teams notably reduced to 10 men on the hour mark.
Speaking to the Advertiser this week, experienced striker Jemel Johnson was keen to look at the positives and reiterated his side still have a lot to play for this season.
“Obviously everyone is gutted,” he said. “For a lot of the lads, this was their first senior semifinal. It is always disappointing to lose a match when you’re in touching distance of a big occasion. We are also disappointed that we scored a goal that was incorrectly ruled out for offside. However, what this defeat will do is build the lads’ character. You’ve got to have these disappointments to make sure that next time, you put the extra effort in to get yourself that extra step forward.
“I’m 36 years old, this is my 21st season playing non-league football. I’ve had success, I’ve seen failure. Part of my role at Windsor is to support the younger players and help them focus on what’s next. There is plenty for us to still achieve this season such as the league [title] and we’re in another cup aswell.”
Johnson added: “In the first half, we didn’t give a good account of ourselves. I think we all recognised that at half-time. Matty and the management team were keen to make sure we improved in the second half and we did. We were pretty much faultless – we just couldn’t find the back of the net and get that goal. We created lots of chances – we were just unlucky not to get that rub of the green to take the game to penalties.”
Windsor & Eton will face
Henley Town next Saturday (February 10) hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat in the league.
“Yes, you’re right in saying we’ve lost three out of four games [in all competitions] now having been unbeaten for a large part of the season,” said Johnson. “So, we’ve had some frank conversations internally, we’ve had a bit of a reset in terms of our mindset, we’ve recognised that teams go through difficult periods.
“We’re working hard together, we’ve put some measures in place, and we’re training plenty this week. We want to get over this slump.
“Like I said, there is still a lot to play for this season and, the great thing is, every time we turn up to Windsor, the crowd is just unbelievable and so supportive. We’re getting superb numbers for this level of football.
“We owe it to ourselves and, more importantly, the fans to have something to cheer about come the end of the season.”
Burghfield will go head-to-head with Maidenhead Town in the final of the Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftree Trophy. Town overcame Finchampstead on penalties with Sam Angel converting the winning spot kick.