Saturday, May 2, 2009

Allenton United reach Shield Cup Final after epic clash with Grosvenor Lane ends 5-4 to the Allenton after extra time

Allenton United where in dream land after securing a place in the UCFL Division 3A cup final after coming twice from behind to finally overcome a stubborn Grosvenor Lane 5-4 in extra time.

With a place in the final at stake Allenton started a little nervously with Steve allowing the bounce from a long ball to catch him off guard before recovering and minutes later the usually reliable John Redmond put the home defence in trouble with a short back pass.

Allenton's troubles where compounded when Grosvenor Lane took the lead from the penalty spot after the wet conditions made the ball spin up and strike Billy Cunningham in the hand. Grosvenor Lane were in confident mood and where looking to extend their lead.

However Allenton rallied and Redmond made amends for his earlier mistake by tucking away the equaliser from a corner. The rest of the first half was played in torrential rain with the teams going in level at half time.

The sun came out for the second half perhaps anticipating the goal feast to come. Grosvenor Lane went 2-1 up only for Allenton to equalise for a second time through a brilliant move involving Alan, Mick and finished by David. Grosvenor took the lead for the final time and where looking good for a 3-2 win until Mick put the game into extra time with a cool finish with minutes remaining.

Allenton's Scottish connection of Richie and Fran had been introduced with 15 minutes of normal time left and it was Richie who put Allenton 4-3 up with a cool finish at the far post before Allenton extended their lead on the stroke of (extra time) half time with Mick finding the bottom corner.

Allenton where looking comfortably but we like to keep manager Tommy on his toes and he was certainly animated when Grosvenor pulled one back to set up an edgy finish but Allenton stood strong to confirm their first ever final appearance.

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