Normally a derby day affair promises so much yet delivers so very little. This 'A429 derby', was never going to disappoint, what with three players (Lawrence brothers and Wilkins (Bryan) transferring up the road in the last year, in favour of Rovers.
The pitch had held up well to the rain of the past week and although the ground would prove to be heavy, Wellesbourne showed in the early exchanges that it was possible to play the ball on the floor and pass it smoothly, creating chances in the opening 5 minutes. Once more Ettington were slow out of the blocks and seemed to panic both in and out of possession.
Only 8 minutes had gone when Wellesbourne took an early but deserved lead. A good cross in from the right saw their midfield general rise and direct a firm header into the top right corner. The Rovers faithful expected their side to now raise their game, and instead were further disappointed when on 13 minutes, a shot from the edge of the box (which seemed to roll down the forward's shin) made it's way over the line. 2-0 down and deservedly so.
Ettington spent the next twenty struggling to get into the game and with some battle finally showing in the middle and the back four refusing to be penetrated again, Rovers started to make headway. For the second game in succession Law took control in the middle, drove through the Wellesbourne back line and finished calmly low to the keeper's right. Rovers, now playing with some belief, closed the half the stronger of the two sides and on 40 minutes, dragged themselves level as the Bourne keeper spilled a fierce Pitts free kick and Taylor (Mark) pounced to rifle the ball past a desperate keeper. Ettington could count themselves somewhat fortunate to be level at half time.
Rovers received fair criticism in the break and Waller sent out his side with instruction to relax, put the ball on the floor and find time and space. The players had other ideas and immediately let the Bourne midfield waltz through for a solo effort, restoring the goal advantage (46).
Once more Rovers had to dig in as Bourne started the second half in much the same way as they did the first. With the rearguard, aided by the midfield, keeping Rovers in the game it wasn't long before they were level again. The hour mark brought about a free kick on the edge of the 18-yard box. Having watched the Bourne keeper set up his wall and then stand behind it, Pitts passed a coolly taken free kick into the bottom right corner.
The 70th minute saw the introduction of Patton for Milloy. Patton showing some good early touches but lacking match sharpness. On 73 minutes a debatable free kick was awarded to Bourne and would prove costly as again they took the lead, when the ball found its way, unopposed, into the net.
In the 82nd, Jackson made way for Bartels. Ettington, now searching for anything to bring them level and take an already breathtaking game into extra-time; Wellesbourne gave away a succession of well-earned corners. With seconds left on the clock, Beaty's inswinging corner found an unmarked Pitts, who lobbed the keeper from what seemed an impossible 12 yards.
Now that Ettington had somewhat undeservingly taken a dramatic derby into extra-time, they came out and showed more in a goalless first 15 minutes, as a team, than the first 90, and were unlucky not to steal a lead when Law and Lawrence combined well down the left only for Wilkins (Bryan) to shoot narrowly wide.
The second 15 brought about the winner when after some stout defending Wright made a tired swing for the ball inside the Rovers 18 yard box, connecting only with the Wellesbourne left wing. The resulting penalty was dispatched and although Ettington ploughed forward to the end, it was to be in vain.
After 120 minutes of adrenaline filled football, Wellesbourne earned their progress in the competition, leaving Rovers to make the 4.5 mile journey up the A429 to lick their wounds and contemplate another assault on the Supplementary Cancer Cup instead.
