ELSWORTH 4-3 MAINE (aet)

ELSWORTH EDGE CUP THRILLER

Elsworth entertained Division One's Maine Utd looking to extend their unbeaten run. Matt Browne was rested with important League games coming up so Spencer and De Voy slotted into an otherwise unchanged Starting Eleven.


Maine looked like confident side and started the brighter, a lapse in concentration saw them take the lead after 10 minutes. The away side were then gifted a glorious chance to further their lead after a Turner handball saw a penalty awarded. Craig Lewis, unlucky on previous occasions again guessed right and held on much to the relief of the home crowd. Lewis's save seemed to galvanise Elsworth who immediately got back in the game as Barnard rounded the Maine keeper to draw the sides level. A hotly disputed throw in led to Maine retaking the lead and the teams went in to half time with a lot to discuss.


Elsworth came out looking to make ammends for their 1st half display, Dan Watkins made way for James Kiff as the home side looked to be more adventurous. Elsworth drew level as Barnard beat the offside trap and then strolled past the keeper. The advantage swung back to Maine with 5 minutes left, Maine's Number 10 managed to get a leap on Gal Baillie to thunder a header past Lewis and with time running out the signs were ominous. The home side were awarded a freekick out on the left and this time Baillie climbed highest to head goalwards and with Darren Paine diverting the ball in for his first competitive goal. The final whistle went moments later and with the score tied at 3-3 the game went into extra time.


Elsworth's last gasp equaliser had given them belief and with superior fitness levels felt they had a great chance of finally taking the lead. Chances came and went for the home side but with only seconds left on the clock the referee awarded Elsworth an In-direct freekick just inside the area. The stage was set for Matt Brading, and he finnally delivered a knockout blow that his team mates knew only he was capable of delivering! Jack chandler rolled the balled off the mark for Brading to nonchalantly chip into the top corner. 4-3!!


TEAM: LEWIS, TESTER, WATKINS, BAILLIE, TURNER, DE VOY, SPENCER, CHANDLER, BARNARD, RUSH subs KIFF, PAINE