Lichfield City suffered semi-final heartache as they bowed out of the Staffordshire FA Challenge Cup 6-5 on penalties at the hands of Stone Old Alleynians.

It was a devastating blow for City who, with scores level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, fought back from 3-1 down in extra-time to take the game to spot-kicks.

Both sides cancelled each other out in the first half but it was Stone who began the second period the brighter. They took the lead through Christian Dacres, who punished some slack City defending.

James Lawson. Pic: Kevin Grice
James Lawson. Pic: Kevin Grice

Dean Gilbert’s men were soon back level though when James Lawson was brought down in the penalty box just past the hour mark. He dusted himself down and duly converted the resultant spot-kick to make it 1-1.

City were then reduced to ten men when skipper Danny Worrall was dismissed for a second bookable offence. The game continued to ebb and flow, although Stone did finish the stronger.

With scores level after 90 minutes, the game went into extra time and Stone bagged two goals in quick succession to make it 1-3.

City looked dead and buried but, much to their credit, kept plugging away and got a foothold back in the game when Rob Burnside was upended in the box. Lawson stepped up and once again converted to make it 2-3.

They continued to press for an equaliser which eventually arrived just two minutes from the end. Ben Stevens poked home an inswinging corner to take the game to penalties.

City’s jubilation was short lived though as they bowed out 5-6. However, despite the defeat, boss Dean Gilbert was quick to pay tribute to his troops.

He said:

“I want to pay credit to all 15 of the lads in the squad. They were super. I feel sorrier for them than to have gone out of the cup. To go out on penalties is a cruel way to end a game, especially after such a hard fought game between two very good sides.

“Credit where credit’s due, Stone were superb in victory and I wish them all the best in the final.”

City are back in cup action this weekend as they entertain Kenilworth Town KH in the Quarter Final of the Jack Mould Trophy on Saturday (February 20th). Kick-off at Brownsfield Park is 2.30pm.

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Mick Tyler
14 years ago

Lichfield City are in fact playing away to Kenilworth, not at home as published.