Reserve Division One Knock Out Cup

Whitefield Norpol F.C. Res
Back Row:(L-R) Jermaine Cunningham, Ian Cooper, Dave Jousiffe, Matthew Jones, Steve Powell,
Barry Buchanan, Martyn Fletcher, Callum Soutar, Graham Bennett (Manager)
Front Row:(L-R) Matthew Wills, Wayne Spicer, Ross Arundell, Brett Sandy, Tim Antell, Anthony Muir,

Harborough Town F.C. Res
Back Row:(L-R) Matt Ogley, Matt Oakley, Tony Sansome (Manager), Chris Church, Luke Maher, Martin Callan,
Nathan Keightley, Callum Errington, James Marks, Dean Humphrey, Chris Piazza
Front Row:(L-R) Jason Vye, Dean Bates, Adam Manton, Will Croasdell, Glenn Robinson, Cullam Harris.

Referees: Peter Honeyman, Lukasz Kowalewski (Referee), David Trathan, Alan Sprague

Whitefield Norpol Res v Harborough Town Res

The game started with both teams pressing forward tentatively, with some good early exchanges.

An early substitution was forced on Norpol when Anthony Muir replaced Tim Antell in the 15^th minute. Halfway through the first half Harborough were starting to take more control of the game, with Norpol looking more likely to score from the breakaway situations. Just before the half hour, Harborough had two decent free-kick chances cleared before the best chance of the game came for Norpol with good build up play leading to Muir keeping possession and getting a good shot in but the Harborough keeper, Luke Maher, just got to it. As the half drew to a close it was Norpol who had the better of the possession and indeed the chances with several chances being cleared as they pressed for an opener.

Half time – Whitefield Norpol Res 0 v 0 Harborough Town Res

Harborough were on the ball in the early exchanges of the second half making several good runs early on, a one two between Matt Ogley and Jason Vye nearly produced an opening goal for Harborough, but Ogley just shot wide, then a long pass to Adam Manton was just put over the bar with the advancing keeper, Callum Souter stranded. As the half advanced so did Norpol and Ross Arundell made several good runs, but was unable to capitalise as he tried too hard to beat all comers and failed to round off his skilful play with a goal. At the other end James Marks was regularly making a nuisance of himself as Harborough tried to go one up.
In the 69^th minute it was Norpol who took the advantage as a deftly placed free-kick taken by skipper, Steve Powell was put right into the path of the advancing the Jermaine Cunningham who headed home for 1-0.
The lead lasted five minutes before Marks picked up a loose bal after Norpol were guilty of failing to clear their lines properly and slotted home the equaliser. With both teams pressing for a winner within the ninety it was end to end for the remaining 15 minutes with both teams making several chances but failing to finish.

Time eventually ran out and the full time score remained at 1-1.

The first half of extra time was frantic with both teams determined to take an early advantage, the best attempt of the first period saw Harborough’s Chris Piazza play a through ball to Marks who’s shot was good but the Norpol defence was equal to it and managed to keep it out. With both teams tiring and cramp starting to affect several players the second period of extra time petered out with both teams looking relieved to be going to penalties at the end.
Tired legs or pressure, who knows?, but when it came to the penalties Harborough failed to convert all but one of their four spot kicks, whilst Norpol were all on target except one.

Final score 1-1,

Final Score: Whitefield Norpol Res 1 v 1 Harborough Town Res - after extra time.
Whitefield Norpol won 3-1 on penalties, congratulations to them for holding their nerve, they now have both eyes firmly on the league a they chase a divisional double.