League Cup Semi-Final Match Report
2 min read
With a place in the primary league cup final up for grabs, Hockering hosted Hornets at Heath Park.
Just 17 minutes in, some lovely build up play in midfield finished with a through ball over the top to forward Josh Haycox, who glided past his man with a burst of pace, and found himself dragged down in the penalty area, leaving the referee with no option other than to point straight to the spot. Haycox stepped up and slotted the penalty into the bottom right corner past the keeper, who despite guessing the right way couldn’t get enough on it, 1-0 Hockering as the hosts strike first. CM Louis Stimpson took it upon himself to nutmeg all of the Hornets midfield one by one with some silky skills, but In a period where both teams saw good spells of possession, little chances were created, and a cagey first half was seen out with it remaining 1-0 on the 45 minute mark.
A half time team talk seemed to have livened up Hornets, with them coming out and dominating the first 10 minutes with multiple chances, followed by a contentious penalty awarded for a handball in the box from close range against Captain Billy Cockram. Hornets #10 stepped up against Goalkeeper Jamie Emerson and placed to ball once again to the right side, Emerson so close to getting enough on the ball, but ultimately the ball found the net, 1-1.
Hockering found their feet again, and a back and forth remainder of the game saw a couple of good chances to each side, but resulted in a 1-1 finish and straight to a penalty shootout. Once again a very strong defensive performance, and it left Hockering hoping to continue where they left off after a tense Penalty shootout victory earlier in the season.
Among the names to volunteer for penalties was last weeks last minute hero Tom Stones, alongside Josh Haycox who had previously buried home once already today, Ryan Stannard, Marcus Clark, Michael Cook and Pete Turnbull. Hockering found themselves with a penalty to win the game, and up stepped Cook, who ever so often seems to be the calmest man on the pitch. With a deep breath, Cook stepped up and rifled the winning penalty straight down the middle, securing a Hockering place in the Final at the FDC. FT 1-1, Hockering 4-2 on penalties.
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