After the abandonment in the 25th minute, Lakeside were disappointed to see their good start cancelled out due to bad weather. Initially, Luke Hitchman had given Lakeside the lead when heading home a Cameron Smith corner in the 12th minute.
Lakeside finally got this game underway at the forth attempt. Lakeside were soon in their stride and were creating good chances; the pick of the bunch coming in the 5th minute, which saw the Windsor Drive keeper save a Kurt Burrows strike. Lakeside continued to play attacking football but was caught out in the 10th minute when Liam Powell fouled the Windsor Drive winger. From the resulting free kick the Windsor Drive striker was on hand to poke home from 2 yards out, although Lakeside did not deserve to be 1-0 down. With chances coming thick and fast, the Windsor Drives keeper continued to make some outstanding saves from Kurt, Brad and Cameron. Lakeside could not believe they were going into the break 1-0 down.
The players still believed in their ability and continued to put Windsor Drive under immense pressure right from the start. The Windsor Drive keeper continued to make great saves from Josh Pugh and Luke Hitchman. Lakeside were finally rewarded with a well deserved equalizer when good work on the left hand side by Bradley saw his cross met sweetly by Budd Nicholson on the edge of the 18 yard box, who unleashed an unstoppable shot to equalise on the 63rd minute. Windsor Drive continued to work hard but did not trouble Rob Jones or the back four of Liam, Harry, Josh and Sam. The majority of Windsor Drive’s attacks were stopped from the outset as the hardworking centre pair of Luke and Cameron broken down and challenged for every ball. With players starting to cramp up after not playing football for five weeks, the game was heading for 30 minutes extra time. However, a last minute corner from Budd was met by the head of Luke Hitchman who made no mistake with a cracking header to wrap up this great cup tie to the delight of the players and supporters. Special mention must go to the Windsor Drive’s keeper with a fantastic goalkeeping display.
Man of the Match – Team
Managers Man of the Match – Luke Hitchman
