U16 South win penalty thriller against Kings Langley

Harvesters U16 South were in the Challenge Cup Quarter Final against Red division table toppers Kings Langley Lions. The boys showed no fear and took the game to Kings Langley and had the better of the chances in the first half.

Both teams had a goal disallowed before half time. Harvesters first for a tight offside and then Kings Langley for pushing at a corner.

The second half was evenly matched and it looked like one clear cut chance may make the difference. Lucas King went close when he hit the post but neither team could break the deadlock.

Into extra time and Kings Langley began to get on top and in the 87th minute they had a corner which wasn’t cleared and they went 1-0 up. A quick turnaround to the second period of extra time and an even quicker response from Harvesters. In the first minute Sam Mistry passed to TJ Barton who struck home the equaliser.

With time running out it was looking like penalties when Nathan Thornton ran with the ball from half way up the left wing and put in a cross to Stanley Maisey who calmly passed to TJ Barton to hit home his second to put Harvesters 2-1 up.

Kings Langley now piled everyone forward, even the keeper for a corner. In the final minute a cross came over and was headed home to make things level at 2-2.

And so to penalties. Keeper Ryan Mason having just been kicked in the head was clearly focused as he saved the first from Kings Langley. Joseph Curran took his penalty well. 1-0 up. The second Kings Langley effort hit the post. Lucas King slotted his home. 2-0 up. Kings Langley scored before Stanley Maisey put Harvesters 3-1 up. Success from Kings Langley and a hit crossbar from Harvesters to make it 3-2. Another goal from Kings Langley made it 3-3 but up stepped Harry Ruane to score and win the tie 4-3.

A semi Final way a5 Borehamwood Crusaders noes awaits.