LHC pushed City all the way in a thrilling cup tie. City took the lead on 17 minutes only for Bob Lee to equalise just before half time. From then on it was end to end with both sides having chances to settle the tie. Only last gasp defending from both sides prevented a cricket score result.
For the first time this season LHC came out of the blocks strongly. Closing down City at every opportunity and we had City rattled from the start. The midfield of Callum,Jack and Webby battled well and supported each other superbly. Up front Lee, Jahmal and Bob hassled and chased everything so as a unit we were hard to break down. In the 17th minute somewhat against the run of play City finally showed why they are a quality set up when their left winger went on a run from half way, skipped past three defenders as if they weren't there and cut in to the box to fire a low cross for a City striker to easily convert into the back of the net. Unmoved, LHC continued to take the game to City and in the 43rd minute a Webby throw-in found Bob who flicked a curling header wide of their keeper for a deserved equaliser.
From then on it was end to end. Our back four of Andy, Chrissy T, Matt and Grovesy were kept busy with some stout defending and when our line was breached Carl made some great saves. At the other end Andy, Jack, Lee and Callum amongst others all went close and in the closing minutes of extra time, substitute Jay hit the post. Clearly LHC's best performance since we beat Junction 10 for our first ever win back in our inaugural season.
The penalty shoot out was as dramatic as the game itself and it took eight penalties each to divide the two teams. Man of the Match Carl made a brilliant save early on for LHC to take the lead but we couldn't hold on. I want to thank debutant Liam for having the guts to take the last penalty. He actually hit his shot really well, low to the keeper's right, aimed just inside the post but their keeper made an amazing save to win it for City.
A great game, great experience, and I think our lads can take deep satisfaction from this heroic defeat. Hopefully we will carry the resolve we showed in this game into our Division Two campaign and we will be able put all the criticisms of the past few months behind us.
Thankyou to the three officials who seemed to enjoy the game as much as anybody. There were a few shouts and appeals to overcome, such was the game, but they handled it well with no clangers dropped and kept control without spoiling it. Good luck to City in the future rounds and I hope they can go on and win it again for the upteenth time!
Martin Ogbourn Adds: Living Hope belied their league position to produce a splendidly committed display in this tight cup tie yesterday. City were well below par and failed to lift their game after they were in control in the first half. City took the lead early on with a sweeping move and assist from Snelgrove, and slotted finish from Garwood. There were further chances, but the complexion of the game changed completely after a long throw inexplicably dribbled into the net. This left Living Hope with renewed belief and desire by the interval (HT 1-1).
The game was too narrow in the second half from our viewpoint, but we still should have won it in normal time. Living Hope had some joy on the break and from long throws to leave the game on a knife edge (FT 1-1).
City had the better of extra time, but couldn't break the deadlock. There were more good reaction saves from the Living Hope keeper, blocks, headers and tackles to prevent a score. Living Hope even hit the post after a counter attack. Dyke, Sheppard and Snelgrove had good games, but collectively we needed to show more intensity, better team work and an improved attitude (After extra time 1-1).
The drama of penalties followed and Chattaway redeemed himself with several saves and a well taken goal. City scored six excellent penalties to ensure a 9th win in 10 cup games.
