Billy Whizz's Wonderboys suffered a Cup heartache at Shitters Palace last night, losing to FC SAMBA BEARS 5-4 after penalties.
The visitors dominated the first half, and keeper Shehata had to make several key saves to ensure the scoreline remained level. The Wonderboys failed to create any attack of note, their only chance coming from a David Thorpe corner, when defender Al-Owairan headed over from close range.
In the second half, the Whizzers came alight, and deservedly scored the first goal of the game. After Luke Groves should have done better from a Morten Fribo cross, the latter bagged yet another assist, as he played through Al-Teymat, who beat SAMBA BEARS keeper Heaton. The Wonderboys continued to attack however, with Inchingolo failing to secure the tie on two occasions, but there was a cruel late twist to come. With the home fans starting to trickle out of the stands, content that their team had secured a place in Round 7 of the English Cup, some fine work by Clark gave Gilev enough time and space to cooly head home past Shehata, to mad delirium from the visitors fans.
Any fans that had left soon hurried back in to watch extra time. Both teams were visibly nervous throughout the 30 minutes, with many opportunities passing by for the two sides. Skelde, Monk and Lofthouse all drew saves from Shehata for the visitors, while Al Teymat and Groves were clearly disappointed with their efforts. The stalemate continued, meaning a penalty shoot out was to be played at Shitters Palace for the first time.
After Fribos early miss was cancelled out by Juras, Inchingolo blasted over, meaning Gilev was the undoubted hero for the Bears, sending Shehata the wrong way, and capping a fine match, after his late equalizer as well.
BWW STAR MAN: Morten Fribo. Had a wonderful game, particularly in the second half of normal time, and will be disappointed that he didn't score his penalty
FCSB STAR MAN: Ruslan Gilev. While he could and perhaps should have scored more than one goal before penalties, without his late effort, and winning penalty it would have been cup upset for Samba Bears.
Attendance: 11,939