Soccer: Final heartbreak for AFC
The heartbreak of losing a penalty shoot-out struck AFC Sudbury for the second time in less than a year on Wednesday.
Late last season the lottery of a shoot-out proved to be AFC’s downfall in the promotion play-offs, and Wednesday’s League Cup final went the same way after 120 minutes had ended in a goalless stalemate.
Losing on penalties is always cruel, but this time it was especially so as AFC, who were without key players, had created enough chances to have won a very tight game but lacked the killer touch in front of goal.
There were some fine saves by Ramsgate keeper Paul Wilkerson, who proved to be the premier division side’s hero in the shootout, saving AFC’s fifth kick taken by Shane Wardley.
There was a good atmosphere in Dartford’s Princes Park ground. The 280 or so AFC fans in the 600-plus crowd certainly made themselves heard, and they saw an entertaining game despite the lack of goals.
AFC were without leading scorer James Rowe, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Nathan Munson took over in goal from the cup-tied Dean Neil.
Chris Tracey, whose registration was retained following his recent release to manage Long Melford, was recalled and named among the substitutes.
His inclusion proved to be a shrewd move as a first-half injury to Sheridan Driver meant that Tracey came on at the start of the second half and played well in a reorganised defence.
In the absence of Rowe the line was led by Darren Bethell. He too went on to have a fine game.
AFC had not played well in their two previous games but the same could not be said about this match. They battled from the start and more than matched their premier division opponents... until it came to the lottery of penalties.
The first half was an evenly-contested affair with few clear-cut chances as defences dominated. AFC had a good spell of pressure midway through when three corners were forced in quick succession without reward.
Gareth Heath, who had earlier gone close with a rising shot over the bar, brought a fine tip-over save from Wilkerson.
Ramsgate finished the half strongly and Munson did well to block a shot from Nick Davis.
Now playing towards the bulk of their supporters, AFC had a good spell of pressure early in the second half but they were unable to find a way through a resolute Ramsgate defence.
A fine shot on the turn from Bethell brought a reflex save from Wilkerson. The rebound went quickly to Heath who headed over.
Several times David Head worked his way into the Ramsgate box and several times he went close with headers, on one occasion heading on to the Ramsgate bar from Stuart Boardley’s long throw.
At the other end a fierce shot from Lee Minshill hit the AFC bar with Munson beaten, and then the keeper saved well from the same player to send the game into extra time.
There was little to choose between the teams in the first period, but AFC came very close to settling the matter late in the second period when substitute Luke Hammond got on the end of David Head’s through ball, only to be denied by Wilkerson dropping on the ball at the last second.
That save kept his side in the contest and sent the match into the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
AFC went first and scored from their first four through David Head, Matty Clements, Gareth Heath and Stuart Boardley. They were matched by Ramsgate. After Wardley has seen his penalty saved, Stuart Vahid scored to win the cup for the Kent side.
It had been fine match, played in good spirit. AFC had been beaten, but certainly not disgraced.
AFC Sudbury: Munson: Driver (Tracey 46), Wardley, P Smith, Hughes, D Head, Heath, S Head (Clements 87), Simpson, Bethell (Hammond 98), Boardley. Subs (not used): N Smith, Stokes.
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Weather for Sudbury
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
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Cloudy
Temperature: -5 C to -0 C
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