NETHERTON FC 1 vs 1 BOLDMERE St. MICHAELS F.C.

Boldmere travelled to Halesowen for a tough encounter against Netherton from the Kidderminster and District League in the Sunday Amateur Cup and came away victorious after a penalty shoot out.

Richard Leighton returned in goal for the unavailable Steve Cullen. With Tom Shakespeare missing Chris Dawber moved into midfield which saw Paul Davis return at centre back. Rhys Coombes came into the side after impressing with recent substitute appearances.

The game started and Boldmere looked a little rusty after not having a game last week due to the Villa-Blues fixture. It took a while to get into their stride and with Netherton playing 5 in midfield they started to keep possession. Boldmeres defence never really looked under any pressure with Adam Mills and Paul Davis dominant. Boldmere took the lead when Aaron Humpries header from Paul Bradys chip crashed against the bar and the Netherton defender picked up the ball thinking he heard the referees whistle! Penalty!..........Dispatched with aplomb by Humphries. Four minutes later and Netherton were level when Boldmere gave away the ball cheaply and the Netherton forward crashed home a good finish. Half time 1-1.

The second half continued much the same with Boldmeres final ball not good enough when in good positions on several occassions. Netherton had most of the possession but Boldmere held firm. Man of the match Adam Mills along with Dossett and Davis in particular were excellent in defence for Boldmere. Keeper Rich Leighton made a decent save late on and in the final minutes substitute Liam Hannon crashed a brilliant effort against the bar from 25yards. Full time 1-1......... Penalty shootout!

Netherton went first and this is what unfolded:

Netherton - Richard Leighton saves! 0-0

Liam Hannon steps up - Goal! 0-1

Netherton - Goal! 1-1

Paul Brady - Goal! 1-2

Netherton - Goal! 2-2

Rhys Coombes - Goal! 2-3

Netherton - Goal! 3-3

Richard McCausland - Goal! 3-4

Netherton - Richard Leighton Saves! 3-4

Richard Leighton

Boldmere win 4-3 on penalties having not missed one of their kicks for the second time in penalty shootouts! Richard Leighton (pictured above) showed his expertise to save twice

So the run continues with the 'Bulldogs' now having won 6 on the trot! Today was not pretty and Boldmere were not anywhere near their best, but a win is a win and we progress to the next round.

Next week Boldmere travel to top of the table FC Concorde for another tough league encounter