Oaks left stunned after penalty drama

Whilst the first half performance of the Lions wasn’t acceptable, according to boss Andy Landesberg, five of the starting 11 had played 24 hours earlier on a heavy pitch at Amersham Town (Lions winning their fifth game in a row), the other six, were all under 21’s and looking pretty rusty from a four-week layoff.

There were some pretty strong words used at half-time by Landesberg, and a change in formation and personnel. After about 10 minutes, the Lions did start to settle into their passing game and a couple of chances came, but were unable to convert them as Oakwood looked rock solid at the back, with Adam Levine and Danny Ailion imperious at centre half.

The second half was a scrappier affair and the game changed with a hotly-disputed penalty to Lions. Eventually after good passing move, Max Kyte broke free and was taken down in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Kyte duly converted the penalty and the Lions pulled level.

At the point where the Lions should have pushed on and scored again, they seemed to switch off, and the very strong, hard-working Oakwood forward line continued to press for a winner.

Oakwood rallied and they went on to dominate extra-time and Guy Helman missed a golden opportunity to score, but he was denied in a one-on-one with Jordan Davidson. This time the scuffed finish didn't find it's way into the back of the net.

In extra-time, one or two of the players from both sides started to tire, but the new roll-on/roll-off rules for this competition probably helped both teams. Oakwood continued to be the more positive of the teams although in the final minutes of extra-time Andy Glynne had two good chances to seal the tie, one remarkably saved by Dan Cohen.

The visitors came close again in the second period of extra-time as Woolman hit the post at the death with a tremendous left foot strike.

And so it went to penalties. Max Kyte put Lions ahead, with Carl Peters missing Oakwood's first effort. Kyle Bentwood fluffed MLL's second, but the industrious David Woolman also failed to find the net. Ben Winters put MLL 2-0 up before Jonny Quinn reduced the arrears. Andy Glynne also converted, as did Oakwood keeper Dan Cohen and it was left to Jon Kurrant to send Lions through.

Relieved Lions boss Andy Landesberg told JC Sport: "Oakwood were very unlucky not to get something out of the game, they fought hard, the forward line were extremely tough, and the midfield were tenacious.

"We looked tired, jaded and perhaps at times a little complacent. The game was played in a very good sprit, although extremely competitive at all times.

"We are all obviously delighted to be in the hat for the quarter-final draw. Let’s hope we can keep this show on the road."

Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "I can't really explain what happened. We left scratching our heads, unable to understand what happened but with enough experience to know that football is a cruel."

Reflecting on the penalty away to Lions, he added: "It was never a penalty and for the ref to give it from 40 yards away was very tough to take. I shook the referee's hand after the game, I thought other than that he had a good game, but in truth this was the only way Lions were going to score.

"When missed our first two penalties our fate was sealed. We have Southgate on Sunday so we'll have to come up with some answers quick."

SHOOT-OUT
MLL
Max Kyte - converted
Kyle Bentwood - missed
Ben Winters - scored
Andy Glynne - scored
Jonathan Kurrant - scored

Oakwood
Carl Peters - miss
Dave Woolman - miss
Jonny Quinn - scored
Dan Cohen - scored