Penalty Clause

After league action last week, today it was back on the cup trail.

We had exited the League Cup to high-flying St. Joseph's, and now faced similar opposition in order to progress in the County Cup. Bushmead Rovers "A" are well-placed in the 2nd division and have lost just twice this season. They would be tough to play at their Luton home.

The pitch at Icknield Way was slightly exposed on the crown of a small hill. However, just before kick-off, the wind dropped and the sun decided to shine on the players. The conditions seemed to bring out good play from both sides.

It was quickly apparent that Bushmead were a talented team. The passing and ideas from midfield created a lot of chances, but the high standard also brought the best out of the visiting team.

In fact, Brickhill opened the scoring with a rare treat - a headed goal by Angus, from Elijah's corner. Still, the lead was brief when Bushmead equalised - from a corner of their own - and quickly added a second with a fizzing shot direct from a narrow angle on the wing.

Bushmead had two or three outstanding attacking players - each time they had the ball it looked like a scoring opportunity. As a result, they soon added a third - a classic cross followed by an emphatic shot away from the keeper's reach.

It was clear the home side were superior but the one hope was that they were vulnerable to continued forward pressure. Just before half-time, Ewan picked up the ball deep in his own half and ran the length of the pitch, beating several challenges. In the box, he managed to find a pass to Fred, who was able to tap in. 3-2 down at half time and back in with a chance.

The respite was short-lived. Soon after the restart, Bushmead opened up our defence with precision crosses and extended their lead to 4-2 then 5-2, and appeared to have done enough.

Nevertheless, we did not give up. With some fresh legs on the pitch, we attacked. Sustained pressure from Elijah, Dominic and Fred opened up a chance for Niall who found the net.

Still, at a 5-3 deficit, defeat seemed likely. Bushmead broke clear again and their excellent #4 shot for goal. Harry managed to stick out a leg, but the ball quickly rebounded to the same player who got a good head on it. Harry recovered, jumped and made a solid catch. The immediate danger of falling three goals behind was averted.

This seemed to turn the match somehow. Now the home side missed a couple more chances, and left the door slightly open.

Brickhill seemed to believe they had a chance. More counter-attacking produced a powerful shot from Romao. The opposition goalkeeper stopped it, but dropped the ball on the line. Fred had continued to run towards goal and was able to trickle the free ball home through the keeper's legs. 5-4.

The referee signalled 4 minutes to play.

With nearly an hour played, the tempo was as strong as ever and it seemed there could easily be two or three more goals at either end. With 90 seconds on the clock, though, it was Josh who was able to take advantage of another combination move involving Dominic, Elijah and others.

Five all ! The cheering on the touchline was euphoric. It might have been the FA cup final.

To lose now would be so, so cruel. Harry fumbled a long-range shot, but recaptured the ball at the second attempt and launched one final assault. Fred picked up the ball on the half way line and found Josh on the wing. Brickhill players surged into the box to receive Josh's weighted cross. With just 10 seconds remaining, Dominic's outstretched foot just failed to make contact and the ball ran past the post ... into Extra Time !

To level from 5-2 down against a team this strong already felt like victory, but clearly a win was possible. However, early in the first period, Angus was judged to have shoved their impressive #11 as he defended a free kick. To the disbelief of the away supporters, and bemusement of some of the home crowd, the referee pointed to the spot.

Harry dived decisively, and correctly, to his right but the penalty was well-buried in the corner and Bushmead regained the lead, ominously. Nevetheless, before the debate over the decision could fully die down, we forced a corner and a second ginger-head found the goal. Dominic this time. 6-6 !

As the second 10-minute period of added time started, it seemed very possible that we were headed for a penalty shootout. There was action at both ends, however, and Elijah appeared to be brought down as he ran onto goal. This appeal was denied, and at the other end Brickhill had to defend deep to keep the score level.

Possibly, though, we had a slight possession advantage and were often in the opposition area. Josh found Fred on the edge of the box and the referee saw an opposition elbow where it shouldn't have been. Penalty !

Ewan threw the ball to Elijah, who hadn't been on target now for over 120minutes of football but who knows how to score under pressure. Sandra couldn't look, but she needn't have worried as Elijah made a precision strike, off the inside of the upright.

75 seconds to defend ! One more attack from Brickhill sees the clock run down to 40 seconds. A promising attack by the opposition ended in a goal kick. Carefully and slowly taken, 10 seconds left. The kick is charged down by Bushmead who press to the edge of the box again and, suddenly, their #4 appears to be brought down.

The referee looks, decides, and blows the whistle ... not for another penalty, but for full time ...

BUSHMEAD 6 - 7 BRICKHILL (aet) is the final score in what is easily the best match and best performance of the season, and an outstanding win. Well done !