Penalty heroics at the AEC

A superb performance saw us progress to the third round of the Wessex League Cup after a dramatic night at the AEC Protection Ground.

We started this competition in the second round having been given a bye in first round but our reward was a tricky home tie against Christchurch. The Dorset boys had made a good start in the Wessex Premier Division with two wins from three.

Despite taking on higher division opponents, we made a fantastic start with Jack Odam giving us the lead within the opening three minutes. His fourth goal of the season was good enough to give us the lead at half time even with both sides striking the post before the break.

The second half saw Christchurch level the game and send the match to penalties.

Step up Lewis Dumper. Our goalkeeper pulled off the performance of a lifetime to save all three of our visitor's penalties and to give us a 3-0 win shootout win in front of a joyous crowd at the AEC.

Man of the match: Charlie Hawes Charlie gave a performance of a player many years his senior giving the Christchurch full backs a torrid time down the left side. He also stepped up to score the winning penalty showing remarkable composure for a 16-year-old. Don't worry, he passed the award onto his dad!