Hucknall Sports U9's Sunday 1 AFC Vernon Colts 1 a.e.t
AFC Vernon win 2-0 on penalties

Sunday 29th January 2006

This was the Y.E.L. equivalent of a Manchester Utd vs. Liverpool FA cup quarter final draw.

With both teams riding high in their respective divisions and a recent history of fiercely contested battles, this was never going to be a match for the faint hearted. Realising that the pretty football would need to be saved for another day, Sports made a good solid start with Emilio Monaci forcing an early corner when his powerful strike was pushed around the post. Jack-Henry Williams was winning the battle for midfield supremacy with a work rate that nobody else could match. The only thing missing from the home teams first half performance was the opening goal that the Colts refused to concede. Just on the stroke of half time Sports were made to rue their missed chances when Vernon took the lead, against the run of play. Sports reacted too late to prevent a seemingly innocuous looking attack from leading to a snap shot on the edge of the box that squirmed over the line.

 

       Within two minutes of the restart Sports were level. Super-sub Aaron Bond delivering the goods for the second week running, this time providing the perfect finish low into the corner from Jack-Henry's mesmerizing run and pass. This was the last telling contribution from Sport's key midfielder though as he was finally forced into resting the dead leg he had been trying desperately to run off. The remainder of the second half belonged entirely to the Colts. But for some heroic defending from Thomas Howarth, Asa Shelton and Carter Newton the visitors would have run out comfortable winners. For all their possession though Vernon couldn't find any chink in the Sports defensive armour and as extra time loomed Sports began to claw their way back into contention. Both sides looked to be running on fumes, with the heavy ground now beginning to take it's toll. So after a further ten minutes of extra time and with the deadlock still not broken the dreaded penalty shootout would be required to separate the two teams.

Carter Newton had been outstanding throughout the match in the Sports goal and when he saved the first spot kick Sport's looked favourites to succeed. Sadly though with their reserves of energy depleted it was Vernon who marched through to the next round running out eventual winners by two penalties to nil. Thomas Howarth took the award for man of the match on behalf of a defensive trio that were outstanding from the first kick to the last.