Central Colts win dramatic shootout to lift Division 3 Cup

The Division 3 Cup is in the hands of Central Colts following a penalty shootout win on Sunday against an excellent Hornchurch Oakmont side at Oakside.

The first half was an end-to-end affair and both sides had numerous opportunities to put their team ahead but found the two goalkeepers, Teddy Philpot and Michael Taywo, in inspired form between their respective “sticks”. The key passage of play came midway through the half as first Central Colts thundered an effort back off the bar before forcing the Hornchurch keeper into a stunning save, tipping over the bar. Moments later, down at the other end, Hornchurch were awarded a penalty for a trip in the box but the effort struck the post via a fingertip from Colts’ keeper. And on the stroke of half time, Taywo once again needed to save his side as a terrific strike from distance from Hornchurch Oakmont was saved at the far post with the scores somehow ending level at 0-0 at half time.

The ferocious pace of the game was kept up throughout the second period despite some weary legs appearing for both sides. Colts had their chances in the second half, sending some well angled deliveries into the box but the two Hornchurch centre-backs dealt with the threat sufficiently to clear to danger. And it took a stunning save from Philpot to keep Colts out once again as he tipped a goalbound effort around the post with an hour on the clock. As the 90 minute mark approached, both sides tried their best to end the contest but found their opposing defences in fine shape to snuff out the chance and we therefore had to head into extra-time.

The extra thirty minutes saw more chances come and go with Central Colts having the best of them, rare mistake from the Hornchurch keeper who didn’t clear the ball away as well possible, the ball fell to a Colts attacker who raced clean through but the keeper recovered to send him wide of the goal and he couldn’t squeeze the effort home. Into the second period and the chance of the half went to Hornchurch as their man was found 10 yards out on the far side of the box but his effort was miscued under pressure, sending his shot wide of the post. The final whistle was blown shortly after, sending the game to a dramatic shootout.

Some terrific penalties opened things up before Colts’ second kicker sent his effort well over the bar and into the nearby car park. Hornchurch then rattled through to lead 4-3 knowing if they scored their fifth, it would be all over. But the effort was tipped wide of the post to save Colts’ blushes who followed up by levelling at 4-4. Into sudden death and Hornchurch’s crucial sixth penalty was again saved, sparking some premature celebrations. Eventually, Colts stepped up to score their sixth penalty to end the contest 5-4.

Many congratulations to Andre and his team on another sparkling season, culminating in this victory in the cup final and of course their promotion from Division Three to boot. A special word also to our wonderful finalists, Hornchurch Oakmont, who lit up the day with a heart on the sleeve performance and were very unlucky not to be leaving with the cup.