Exciting penalty shoot out victory for Harwich over Lopez Tavares in Cup Quarter Final

Lopez Tavares were delayed in traffic and the match kicked off 15 minutes late. Harwich were quick out of the starting blocks and the visitors keeper Akin Akinola made an excellent first minute diving save at the expense of a corner. The Shrimpers continued to impress and deservedly took the lead in the 22nd minute with a fine move, Sean Bartlett laying the ball through for Jake Plane to volley into the corner of the net. Cock a hoop Harwich increased their lead 13 minutes later when they won a penalty following a foul and Sean Bartlett duly converted the spot kick. There were eight minutes to go to half time when Jay Jamali put Lopez Tavares back in contention with a shot from close range. Early in the second half Akinola rushed out from his goal but misjudged the ball, however the chance did not fall kindly for Harwich. Lopez Tavares are favourites to lift the Divsion One South title and they got their slick passing game together to force Harwich to defend stoutly. It looked as though the Shrimpers might hold out until with 9 minutes remaining Joel Apriah headed an equaliser at the far post. At the close of the 90 minutes, the match went straight to penalties. The Shrimpers netted 4 of their spot kicks through Bartlett, Dan Clark, Jake Plane and substitute Lewis Blanchett but although Lopez Tavares scored with their first 3 kicks, Harwich Man of the Match goalkeeper Sam Felgate then brought off 2 great saves to give his team send his team through by a 4-3 margin. In the Semi Final Harwich will meet the winners of the White Ensign v Little Oakley Quarter Final.

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