Lakeside welcomed Highridge United to Dowty Staverton for this league plate semi-final in blistering sunshine. With both teams riding high in their respective leagues, this was sure to be an entertaining game. Highridge made the brighter of the starts and saw their first chance being saved well by Rob Jones in the Lakeside goal. Highridges’ lightening quick striker Rhys Hickery outpaced Lakesides defence to put Highridge ahead. Rob was once again forced into making a fine save again in the 10th minute. With Highridge in total command of the game found themselves 2-0 up on the 14th minute with Hickery was on hand to score from close range. After going 2-0 down, Lakeside began to find their feet and managed in the 35th minute to win a free kick, which saw Rob Ingram’s pin point free kick met by Scott Gourley who volleyed home from close range. Lakeside went into the second half with a more positive attitude and in the 55th minute a Craig Graham cross was met by Louis Hyde who fired into the top corner after some fine work from Brett Blake. Straight from the restart, Brett outmuscled the Highridge defence to see his initial shot saved only to score the rebound to put Lakeside ahead. With both sides creating plenty of chances, Highridge were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute after a hand ball from Sam James which was despatched by Rhys Hickery giving Rhys his hat trick. With the score at 3-3, Kiall Goodhall replaced Rob Ingram on the 79th minute, with the winger making an instant impact, scoring a thunderous long range effort into the top corner. Unfortunatly, Kiall’s reaction after scoring saw the referee show him an instant red card after reacting to the Highridge player by throwing the ball at him. Highridge responded immediately and got themselves back on level terms when Joe Brimbles effort sneaked in at the back post. With the score 4-4 after 90 minutes, both teams had to endure a further 30 minutes in this blistering heat. In the 1st minute of extra time, Luke Robson almost regained the lead only to see the Highridge keeper save well from a one on one. One minute later, it was the turn of Rob Jones in the Lakeside goal to save well. In the 94th minute, Scott was unlucky to see his free kick tipped over the bar by the Highridge keeper. In the 97th minute Lakeside edged their way in front when Louis pass was smashed home by Craig but once again Highridge levelled the scored in the 101st minute when dangerman Hickery levelled the score. With Rob and Josh both being deemed to have apparently fouled the Highridge player, the referee once again pointed to the spot with Hickery again calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner for his fith goal of the game. This saw Highridge book their place in the League Plate final after an excellent game. Although there were six booking and a red card it was not a dirty game, both teams should be extremely proud of the quality of football after 120 minutes and excellent support from the 84 spectators.
