Goal scorers: Josh Everett, Daryl Alexander, Callum Bentley
Penalties:
Josh Everett ✅ Westbourne ✅
Isaac Everett ✅ Brett Crisp ❌
Callum Bentley ✅ Westbourne ✅
Tony Palmer ❌ Westbourne ✅
Daryl Alexander ❌ Westbourne ❌
Elliot Leeder ✅ Westbourne ❌
Man of the match: Craig Warner
Attendance: 11
Elmsett went into the game with an excessive number of first team players missing for various different reasons but they dominated the early exchanges.
Despite their early dominance, Westbourne took lead. That lead was soon doubled from the penalty spot with Leeder still wondering where on earth he could have put his arms.
It seemed like it wasn’t to be Elmsett’s day as they continued to miss chances but they were given a lifeline as Tampion earned a penalty. Unfortunately, Josh Everett was unable to convert.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first as the away side dominated and Josh Everett made amends for the penalty miss as he pulled a goal back to half the deficit.
Despite Elmsett’s continuous pressure, Westbourne stretched their lead as they countered after it seemed Bentley had been taken out. With the score at 3-1 and only 10 minutes to go it seemed the game was over.
Instead of giving up, Elmsett threw the kitchen sink at Westbourne. The arrears were soon halved as Alexander lashed the ball past the Westbourne keeper.
With only a few minutes to go the comeback was completed as a limping Bentley finished from close range to send the travelling fans completely delirious.
In the dying seconds Westbourne looked to have made the comeback irrelevant with the free kick heading for the top corner but Warner did well to tip it behind and send the match to penalties.
Elmsett were to go first and Josh Everett stepped up and calmly slotted his spot kick into the bottom corner. The Westbourne player converted also.
Next up was Isaac Everett who had the confidence to plant his penalty straight down the middle. If only Brett Crisp had decided to the same instead of dragging his effort wide to give Elmsett the advantage.
Bentley made his penalty looked easy as did the Westbourne player to make it 3-2. Palmer then stepped up and gently caressed the ball giving the keeper enough time to make a cup of tea before saving it. Westbourne then levelled as he put it just past Warner’s reach.
It was then Alexander’s turn but he nearly broke the bar giving Westbourne match point. Instead the opposition player ballooned his effort over the top sending the game to sudden death.
It was up to the captain Leeder to step up and he planted his spot kick perfectly into the side netting. Westbourne had to score but Warner guessed right and saved to win it for Elmsett.
So despite having so many players unavailable Elmsett showed a fantastic fighting spirit to reach the semi finals and look forward to the same opposition, same venue next Sunday. Hopefully less stressful.
Player Ratings
Craig Warner - 9 - was superb.
Jacob Tampion - 8 - a danger down the right all game.
Elliot Leeder - 8 - captain fantastic.
Danny Clarke - 9 - dealt with everything.
Ben Berry - 9 - makes defending look easy.
Isaac Everett - 8 - excellent even when asked to play different roles.
Ryan Bray - 8 - didn’t overhit all his passes.
Daryl Alexander - 9 - ran the game.
Tony Palmer - 8 - protected the defence well.
Josh Everett - 8 showed great character.
Callum Bentley - 8 - even injury couldn’t stop him.
Subs
Ben Alex Riddleston - 8 - added much need energy to the midfield. Strong debut.
Sponsored by The Elmsett Rose & Crown
#EUFC 🔵⚪️
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