Our 2nd cup match of the season saw us playing a team in the division above (19 places above us in total). We have actually had some very good results of late but this was going to be a much bigger test than we’d had in previous weeks.
Things weren’t looking good leading up to kick off as half our expected team were nowhere to be seen. Luckily the ref was very patient and delayed the minute’s silence (for remembrance Sunday) just long enough for our boys to take to the field.
Gaylo was away seeing his Mrs so Northern Ric (oh he does love gravy) filled in for him and played just off Jyla. His first real contribution was to block a Vale goal bound effort from a Pirate corner. Maverick returned also and slotted back into the center of midfield.
The game got underway and although Wribbenhall had more possession than us, the first half was fairly even. We appeared to want it more, but they did look the more likely to open the scoring.
The first half finished goalless and the main talking point was probably Pirate’s mouth (just for a change). In his defence, I will say that he did nothing wrong the 2nd time the ref called him over. The ref on that occasion even had his red card half way out of his wallet!
It stayed goalless until about the 55th minute when Pirate delivered a good cross in from the right that Jyla met with an even better header. 1-0 Vale.
That goal seemed to wake Wribbenhall up to an extent though, and they stepped up a gear. Before long they had equalised and then went one better to take the lead. 2-1 Wribbenhall.
Time was ticking away for us and the expected result looked on the cards. That was until the ref gave us a penalty with about five minutes to go, for a push in their area. Silk did ‘JUST’ enough to squeeze the ball past their keeper and over the line to send the game into extra time. 2-2
The first half of extra time saw us take the lead for the 2nd time in the game. Maverick showing great composure and skill to make it 3-2.
That wasn’t the end of the scoring though as Wribbenhall came back once again to make it 3-3.
The tie was now well and truly in the balance and penalties were definitely looking more than likely. That was until Pants (our sub) played a first time ball into the box for Jyla to attack. It was a great ball in, but Jyla still had lots to do…….
Jyla connected with the ball perfectly and guided the ball past their keeper and into the back of the net. 4-3.
And 4-3 it stayed!
A great result for The Mighty Vale!
P.S. Thompson made some top class saves during the game and without him, we would be out the cup now!
