HARLOW HILL 3 YEW TREE 3

(After extra-time)

THIS was the second tie in a row against First Division opponents in the League Medal Invitation Cup for Yew Tree. The opening exchanges were evenly matched as both teams tried to adapt to the weather conditions. As would be expected the First Division side had a fair amount of possession but Yew Tree were not outplayed in any department.

Harlow took the lead after a mix-up in defence allowed Tashton to head past Tony Kirk but Yew Tree were not disheartened and levelled almost immediately.

A bad clearance from the 'keeper left the central defender struggling and Ben Kelly took the ball off him and slotted it into the net.

The remainder of the half was even with both sides having chances. Jerry Willaby went close for Yew Tree and Steve Richmond caused all kinds of problems on the left wing.

Within minutes of the re-start Harlow were back in front when a long range effort beat the unsighted Kirk. Yew Tree levelled again with Malc Healeas taking the ball from the kick-off to run past four defenders before chipping the 'keeper. This left Harlow shocked as they had expected the floodgates to open. Yew Tree's new found resilience ensured that they never give up and the defence of Haddock, Wrigglesworth, Sharp and Pollard defended well.

Yew Tree should have gone on to win the tie when excellent passing put Kelly clear on goal on a number of occasions but he was having a bad day and was unable to convert any of these chances. This ensured that extra-time was necessary.

With both teams tiring extra-time was not the prettiest but it did have its moments. Harlow took the lead tapping in from close range but Yew Tree got their second wind in the second period of extra-time despite a dubious penalty award to their opponents.

Justice was done when Kirk made an excellent save tipping the ball round for a corner. This stirred Yew Tree into life and with two minutes to go Simon Malpass laid an excellent ball into the path of Kelly who slotted it past the 'keeper to earn a much deserved re-play. Match point went to Andre Blake who gave a towering display.

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