PASS & GO LEAGUE CUP

MATCH REPORT PASS & GO LEAGUE CUP

17/5/2013

SACRISTON CC 1 (6) v 1 (5) aet NEW DURHAM Wmc

Two of division one’s top three clubs contest this seasons League Cup sponsored by Pass & Go. In an evenly matched encounter a penalty shoot out is needed to decide the result. Saciston CC have the best of the opening minutes taking the lead after six, Anthony Ward finding himself with room and time just inside the box to head home a delightful cross from left back Chris Welch. Ten minutes late Sacriston’s Greg Coates sets up a great opportunity for Michael Frazer to extend the lead but a magnificent save by New Durham keeper David Pritchard denies him. New Durham who have not really got into their stride in the opening thirty minutes test Sacriston’s keeper for the first time with a fierce Jor Simpson effort which is neatly pushed around the post by Marc Hall to safety.

New Durham start the second half with more urgency and almost take the lead in its first minute during a goal line scramble, but the ball bounces out of play off a goal post. Five minutes later New Durham’s Craig McManus is unlucky not to score with a great half volley that thunder’s back off the cross bar. New Durham continue to press forward in search of the equaliser and are duly rewarded when Craig McManus capitalises on a defensive lapse to make into 1-1. Both teams take risks pushing forward in search of a winner but resolute defending takes the game into extra time. The additional thirty minutes produces no goals and the result is finally settled by the penalty shoot out. With the scores still level after the mandatory five penalty kicks the deadlock is broken when keeper Marc Hall saves New Durham first of the sudden death kick following which man of the match Greg Coates strides forward to slam home Sacriston’s winner