North Wilts Cup Semi Final against Highworth Town at Home

Absolutely great entertainment from two evenly matched teams in front of well over 100 supporters, Lambourn started well and should have been 2 up after 5 minutes with Luke Plumb causing havoc. Highworth started to come into the game but with Bradley Skeats and Daniel Bayliss defending well they could not get a shot on goal. After a couple more chances for Lambourn from Kieran Ratcliffe and Luke Plumb Highworth scored a long range goal against the run of play. The first half finished with lambourn still pressing forward but denied time and time again by the impressive centre back from Highworth. Half time 0 - 1
The second half started the same as first with Lambourn pouring forward and Highworth content to hit on the break. Harley Brizell had a good run down the wing and knocked the ball to Luke whos shot was stopped by the Highworth defenders hand and a penalty was given, Luke stepped up to take the penalty but the superb keeper from Highworth made the save. Highworth seemed to grow after the penalty and a minute later they won a free kick which was struck home by the Centre back, Lambourn looked down and out with only 3 mniytes to go. Howard Hughes came on for Kieran Ratcliffe and Bradley moved into midfield as they went for broke. With relentless pressure Lambourn finally got what looked a late consolation from the impressive Luke Plumb. With less than a minute to go Lambourn continued to come forward and then with 20 seconds to go Bradley Skeats broke through into the box and hit a great shot which the keeper got a hand to and Howard Hughes stabbed it home to make sure and send the game into extra time. Full time 2 - 2
5 minutes each way extra time started with Lambourns tails up and it was not long before Declan was found by Bradley in the area and his snap shot unluckily hit the post, a couple more chances for both teams before the end and the dreaded penalty shoot out. AET 2 - 2
Aaron Smillie made 3 great saves in the penalty shootout and with Bradley Skeats and Declan Rackham scoring their penalties to send Lambourn into the final 2 - 1 on penalties.
A great win for Lambourn when we looked dead and buried we kept going, a big thanks to everyone from Highworth who played their part in a brilliant game and were exceptionally gracious in defeat.