Darren Mansaram was named alongside Iffy Onuora up front, Marcel Cas returned in the place of Campbell. Jason Crowe took over from McDermott at rightback with the returning Darren Barnard back at leftback. Simon Ford took Crane's place in defence.
The Owls also rested numerous personal. Most notably Terry Cooke, I want my entrance fee back! Jon Beswetherick was in the Owls side despite the club stating he was released last month. Hmmm, fielding an illegal player maybe?
Town got off to a dream start on two minutes. Anderson's cross/shot was half cleared to Mansaram who had time to compose himself before firing his low drive past Pressman. Yay we scored, and it was a striker!
The goal gave Town a short boost of confidence. Hamilton from midfield drove his team forward but the movement of the front two, Onuora in particular, limited options.
After a good opening 10 minutes. Town sat back and did their usual stuff, bore us. The 8 man wall in front of Davison was rarely breached, when it was the Owls failed to take advantage. Firstly the 8 men backed off N'Dumbu (remember him, one who tried to get Crane sent off despite considerable distance between the two. Followed by Mr Yorkshire TV screaming it was a blatant foul, how dare we upset his beloved Owls?). Errrr yeah, N'Dumbu. Town gave him loads of time, he lined his shot up and trickled it wide, well wide.
Next up was a cross from Geary on the right, Barnard decided he didn't fancy tracking back and so he didn't. Anderson failed to cover giving the Wendy No 2 a free license. Davison missed the cross and Beswetherick managed to head wide from 2 yards with no challenge at all.
That was pretty much the first half, good stuff eh? Well the second half was even worse!
Either Paul Groves gave his team instructions to sit deep and hold the lead, or his players are stupid. You decide.
Town sat back and back and back and back. Jason Crowe was the worst culprit of backing off, Beswetherick (why didn't they bloody release him) was given the chance to run from his own half to Davison's goal whenever he wanted.
20 minutes into the second half and Mansaram was replaced by Boulding. Now I understand Mansaram may have been tired, but he still looked like he had more in his tank than Iffy.
The introduction of Boulding sparked Town into life. Rather than just hoofing the ball aimlessly, they was hoofing it with the hope that Boulding would suddenly break land speed records and get the ball. Genius!
Hamilton appeared to be the only one aware that this was in fact a professional game. 'Disco' blocked numerous shots and passes before having to bring the ball out of defence himself. His midfield partners of Cas, Daws and Anderson were absent to say the least.
71 minutes and the inevitable came. Geary, again given time by Barnard, whipped in a cross which Reddy headed back across goal. Now at this point it is usually a good idea for defenders to charge out and try to get in the way. But no, not the GTFC way. Proudlock trotted up to the ball, defence still watching, and fired home. [Cue defence stop watching and point finger of blame elsewhere].
Around this time Onuora was given the ball in space and with time. Rather than proceed towards the goal, the 36-year-old opted to create an impossible angle before firing, no spannering, high and wide into the empty section of the ground.
Soon afterwards Ford, who had a decent game on his return, made way for Greg Young. Stuart Campbell was also brought on for Marcel Cas. The Dutchman had to be helped off the pitch, but he was playing cack anyway.
Campbell's introduction into midfield did at least give us someone who could A) run with the ball and B) find a team-mate with passes beyond 5 yards. Sadly Campbell saw very little of the ball.
The game whimpered out and into extra-time which only prolonged the agony. Nothing happened much in extra-time, silver goal or not. Town looked crap, Wendy looked crap but at least they had the ball.
Penalties it was. Barnard scored for Town, Haslam scored for Owls, Campbell had his saved by Pressman's trailing leg. After that everyone scored Pressman, Anderson, Proudlock, Hamilton, Holt, Onuora (yes, Onuora!), Barry-Murphy. 5-4 to Wendy on penno's. Didn't want to be in the stupid tournament anyway, yes those grapes are sour.
Man of the Match - Only one real option. Disco Des Hamilton. Tried to carry the midfield but they didn't want to know. His effort was matched by no other Town player which was a shame. He does need a partner who is prepared to bomb forward though.