Penalties on a Blustery Day
St Johns second team in the last 16 of the cup, easy surely? But a heavy pitch, a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch and a questionable referee, a recipe for a cup shock maybe.
This was a hard fought fair game played in a good spirit. Chances a plenty for both sides with the conditions playing their part in goals being at a premium. The two goals in normal time were both scored in the second half, ours first with James coolly passing the opener into the corner, the equaliser was a scrambled affair but no less than St John's battling display deserved.
With Oli having to leave at the start of extra time Affinity played the extra 30 mins with ten men. A second goal by Josh P looked as though it would be the winner but St John's never give in attitude and a questionable refereeing decision meant that this game would be decided on penalties.
Cool heads were called for and that's what we got. Luke 1-0. Dale fine save still 1-0. Ian 2-0. Dale nearly but 2-1. James 3-1. Pressure and Dale saves again, still 3-1. Jamie 4-1 and it's all over.
The result rather than the performance was the important thing today. Dale's penalty saves earned him his 3rd man of the match performance but special mention for our cool penalty takers as well.