KEYWORTHS LATE SHOW END THE ROBINS DREAM

 Eurosoccer Nottinghamshire Senior League: Senior Cup Semi Final

EAST LEAKE ROBINS FC 3 KEYWORTH UNITED FC 3 (2-4 on penalties)

Att: 67

This semi final was worthy of the final with neighter team deserving to lose in a quality game, possibly the best match Ive seen for years. East Leake went in to the match as underdogs from Division One, whilst Keyworth are flying high heading the Premier Division.

Keyworth came out the blocks with a few chances, but the home defence stood firm and in the 10th minute, saw a ball played out to the right hand side and the Robins top scorer MASON BALL beat his man before placing a low shot in to the net to give his side a surprise lead.

The half went from end to end and the Keyworth keeper pulled off and couple of good saves, whilst East Leake looked on top in the midfield area.

The Second half kicked off and East Leake looked the brighter of the two teams pushing forward but they made a sub on the hour mark, but he only lasted a matter of 32 seconds on the pitch, due to a nasty looking challange and referee Tim Walker had no option but to show him the red card to reduce the Robins down to ten men. This is where I expected United to take over, but the Robins dug in hard and on 75 minutes, they doubled their lead to 2-0 when ASHLEY WAY's shot found the back of the net.

The Robins looked confident and the visiting keeper made a outstanding save forcing a corner, from the resulting corner, a free header just went wide of the target.

With the clock ticking down on 87 minutes, no one could of predicted what was going to happen next as RYAN SMITH turned in the box and pulled a goal back. In the next minute, a clumsy trip gave Keyworth a penalty to which  TOM MADDISON converted to even up the score.

As injury time was being played, Keyworth turned the game on its head, when HARVEY GRICE shot from just outside the box in to the corner of the net to send the visiting supporters wild.

A minute later with seconds left, a ball was hit low in to the Keyworth area to be turned in via the post by one of their own defenders to make it 3-3.

So to penalities the tie went and  Keyworth had their 1st penalty saved, but then The Robins scored, so advantage to the homesters, but then the Robins missed their next 2 penalties, whilst the visitors scored theirs, Robins score but then Keyworth converted to win the tie and gain their place i the Final at Hucknall Town on Saturday 13th May.

Must say both teams played well and all 3 officials had very good games.

After the match in the pub, I sold a few more Charity Day Raffle Tickets, please see below how to purchase yours, also Sam Ralph kindly donated £20 to the charity blog from Keyworth United, so with the goals as well scored today, it takes the running total up to £180.50p.

To see the 329 photos from the tie, please click this LINK

Raffle Tickets are now on sale for the NSL REP CHARITY DAY, you can buy them via bank transfer to the charity account then email me and I will send you your ticket numbers

AROUNDTHEGROUNDS CHARITY BLOG

Sort Code: 30-98-97

Account: 70342862

Please send me your email address to robhregnsl@hotmail.com and I will email you your ticket numbers. Tickets are £1 each