County Cup semi - thrilling penalty shootout

Telford v Cosford
County Cup Semi-Final
21st March 2004

Telford faced Cosford in a thrilling County Cup Semi Final Tie at Idsall today, and if there has been a finer game played at this level all season then I would be very surprised. This game between the local rivals had everything you could wish for, fine football, good sportsmanship, commitment and a penalty shoot out finale.

Karen Hackley and Lindsey Brown will be gutted to have missed this game, but had they witnessed the fantastic football on display they would be proud of their team mates.

The first half saw the direction of the strong winds favouring the visitors slightly. Cosford attacked the Telford goal, their first serious chance was cut out calmly by Lou Hickman. Kerry Walker gave Telford their first chance after Sam Rodway had set her free; her 30 yard effort went high and wide.

Stacey Aitken Best, playing in a deeper role than of late, was instrumental in all of Telford’s dangerous attacks early on, setting up Jackson for a fine run which was adjudged to be just offside, before slipping the ball to K. Walker, whose shot was just kept out by the keeper’s fingertip save.

Hickman’s long throws caused chaos in the Cosford defence, but the strikers were closed down before they could latch onto any of the resultant balls. Cosford had a great chance to go ahead; they beat the defence, only to find Steph Walker perfectly placed on the line to head the ball clear. Williams and Shewring were commanding at the back for the home side, soaking up any Cosford pressure, while Vicky Harper revelled in her unfamiliar midfield role, linking with the dynamic Jackson to tease their opposite numbers with some defence splitting play. Sarah Martin did have to make several excellent saves when Cosford began to hold possession and carve out a few chances. The home keeper was let off when Cosford’s No.7 spurned a great opening to shoot wide when Martin was beaten. Luck was again on Telford’s side when Martin spilled the ball under pressure and the striker shot over the bar from 3 yards!

The remainder of the first half belonged to Telford, they were relentless in their hunt for a goal, S. Walker’s passing was sublime as she set up both Harper and K. Walker for good chances, both shots were saved by the Cosford keeper. The last chance of the half was set up by Kath Cuthbert who played a long ball over the top for Jackson; she held the ball up well for K.Walker, who put the ball over the bar. Half-time score: 0-0.

S. Walker was again the heroine within a minute of the restart when, from a grounded position she blocked the ball in front of goal when the defence were beaten. The game flowed from end to end at a cracking pace as both teams sought advantage. Jackson played K.Walker into space superbly and she took on both the No.9 and No.7 players before skimming a great shot off the side netting. The two Walkers combined on the Telford left to give the No.5 a torrid time before the final ball was claimed by the keeper. Jackson’s influence was beyond measure as she firstly set up K. Walker for a shot, which was blocked by the keeper, then went alone through the centre, only to be felled by a strong challenge by the No.6 on the edge of the area. Williams’s free kick was saved well after beating the wall. Hardworking Telford were committed, Hickman was yellow carded for a trip on the striker on the edge of the 18 yard area, Shewring blocked the resulting free kick and played the ball out of danger. Telford poured forward, the Cosford No.9 being shown the second yellow card of the game for her challenge on K. Walker, after she had beaten her for pace. Williams’s free kick flew over the bar. Telford did find the net with a fine chip over the keeper by K. Walker after she had robbed the defender on the line. As the ball hit the net the whistle blew, the goal was disallowed and play was brought back for a throw in. Both teams were puzzled by the decision as neither player thought the ball had gone over the line, it was a definite let off for Cosford.

With honours even at the end of 90 minutes the teams had to endure a gruelling period of extra time. Cosford stepped up a gear, making headway from several forced throw ins. Martin dropped the ball in a goalmouth scramble before Cuthbert cleared. In the second period of extra time Telford threw all they had at a resolute Cosford defence. Aitken Best supplied S.Walker with the ball, her terrific shot was saved by the keeper. Harper had a powerful effort fizz just wide after K.Walker had run down the defence. Martin made a brilliant save through a crowd of players from a free kick, taken almost on the half way line, before the whistle blew to end extra time and send the teams into a heart stopping penalty shoot out.

The Cosford substitute keeper scored from the first penalty, Williams matched her. Cosford’s No.10 scored, S. Walker evened the scores. Martin got her fingertips to the No.12’s shot but couldn’t stop it from counting. Telford didn’t lose heart when Aitken Best’s spot kick was saved by the keeper, but when Shewring hit the bar after Martin had saved brilliantly from the No.8 they saw the game slipping away. Martin gave the side hope when she saved the next spot kick and Harper planted her ball beyond the keeper to level the tie at 3-3. Cosford put away their next kick, so it all depended on K.Walker’s spot kick. The Cosford keeper decided the game with a great save to break Telford’s hearts.

It was a disappointing day for Telford, who proved that they are still a class act to be reckoned with. They walked away with pride intact and heads held high, knowing that this was a game that neither side deserved to lose.

This was an exciting game to watch and a fantastic advertisement for ladies football.

Final Score 0-0 After Extra Time – Cosford won on penalties 3-4.

Telford are without a game next week so they will be in action next in the home league game against Walsall at Idsall school on April 4th. Kick off 2pm.

Today’s team: Sarah Martin, Louise Hickman, Jodie Williams, Katie Shewring, Kath Cuthbert, Steph Walker, Vicky Harper, Lisa Jackson (Capt.), Stacey Aitken Best, Sam Rodway, Kerry Walker. Subs Nicky Mason, Amy Shepherd, Tash Robinson.