Report:   

Dan was the hero of the day making a super save in the penalty shoot-out to send Orange into the final of the YEL Cup and bring a warm glow to the faces of the Orange supporters on a bitterly cold day.This was the second penalty shoot-out in cup competitions and they held their composure after missing their first penalty after a superb save from the Arnold keeper.

The game was quite tense and Arnold showed  skill well beyond their 3rd division status. It was Arnold who took the lead mid -way through the first half after some clever work on the edge of the box.They could have made it 2-0 a few minutes later when Dan again tipped the ball away as it threatened to dip under the crossbar. Orange had chances with Aaron going close with a long range shot and Brad narrowly missing from Elliott's corner.

Orange continued to press and Elliott's slide rule pass put Luke through on the left wing and he cleverly cut inside and drilled the ball into the net for the equaliser. Orange passing improved and they continued pressing with Aaron again shooting just wide.

The game continued at a fast pace after the break and Elliott was unlucky when his free-kick was well saved after it looked bound for the top corner of the net.Luke was unlucky when his strike was just wide. Orange maintained a good spell of pressure mid-way in the second half but failed to get the goal they needed. Ben  and Macauley had a busy afternoon and were solid at the back. Ben again made a number of solid tackles to stop the Arnold strikers and Macauley was equally superb breaking down the Arnold attack and helping wither counter-attacks.

With about 15mins to go Hayniey replaced Luke playing on the left side of midfield. He improves with every game and showed good control and skill on the ball working well with Aaron and Elliott. Elliott was again unlucky when he was put through the middle but his shot was well saved. With minutes to go Macauley had a free kick well saved by the keeper and it looked more like extra time was on the cards.

With the game into extra time a goal would decide and Dan produced another miracle save from only a few yards out to keep Orange in the game.

As penalties came closer in defence Ben again was superb with another strong challenge to stop Arnold from shooting.Brad had a run down the middle of the park and shot just wide.

A Cup final showdown with Gedling Town Red now awaits the Orange.

Team:

Dan, Ben, Macauley, Aaron, Brad, Elliott, Luke(Hayniey)

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