Slimbridge U18s let lead slip to suffer penalties defeat to Kidderminster in Giantkillers Cup
Slimbridge u18s exited the Giantkillers Cup on penalties following a 2-2 draw with Kidderminster Harries u18s at Thornhill Park on Thursday, writes Sam Yapp.
Harriers came from 2-0 down at half time before winning 5-3 on penalties against the young Swans following an inspired six minute period.
Slimbridge found themselves under pressure from Harriers right from the start, but two punishing and clinical finishes had them ahead.
Kieran Bennett opened the scoring on 16 minutes with a composed close ranged finish after a long free kick deceived the Harriers defence.
Freddie Harris doubled the lead less than 10 minutes later pouncing on loose pass back before lashing home from close range after his original attempt came back off the post.
Harriers tried everything to get back in the game late in the first half but some resolute defending from Haydn Evans and William Djiaha-Nsangou saw the Swans lead at the break.
The visitors came out swinging in the second period with Swans goalkeeper, Kieran Winstone, being called into action on 47 minutes with a superb one-on-one save against Kofi Ofosu.
Ofosu was sent through on goal again two minutes later, this time beating Winstone but saw his effort rattle the crossbar.
The pressure paid off for Harriers as on 71 minutes Archie Hill found the bottom corner with driven volley after Slimbridge failed to deal with a long ball into the area.
Six minutes later Ofosu was sent through on goal yet again and it was third time lucky as the attacker coolly slotted his effort under Winstone to complete the comeback.
To penalties the game went with both sides netting their opening spot kicks but as Harriers drilled home their second, goalkeeper James Crump, stepped up to deny Slimbridge.
Both sides made no mistakes with the next round of spot kicks, and it was Harriers’ Hill who had the final say smashing his side into the semi-finals.
Slimbridge u18s are back in action on Monday when they travel to title chasing Shortwood United u18s.
Line-ups:
Slimbridge U18s- Winstone (GK), Champion (Anderson 58’), Whitehead, Djiaha-Nsangou (Wayman 67’), Evans, Jagger ©, Bean, Wasley (Parker-Delves 65’), Bennett, Fowler (Johnson 55’), Harris (Howarth 68’)
Kidderminster Harriers U18s- Crump (GK), Billingham, Kirby, Earringham, Whittle, Austin ©, Allport (Harley-Bennett 66’), Lloyd (Brookes 58’), Ofosu, Minaker (Mrozek 46’), Hill
Unused subs- Jones, Philips
C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Haydn Evans (Slimbridge u18s)
READ MORE: Check out the list of Saturday’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
READ MORE: Check out the list of Sunday’s Women’s fixtures in and around Gloucestershire right here
