With such a hard fought A semi, those in attendance at the Crescent Ground, were wondering if the second semi-final of the 2010 U11 Challenge Cup could be as exciting as the first – little did they know it would turn out even more exciting!
Once again the team with the wind at their backs in the first half took full advantage with Castleford Town raining shot after shot on the Wortley goal, but despite all their territorial advantage and great goalkeeping from the Wortley ‘keeper, Cas’ only managed to claim a two goal advantage at the break.
Now it was Wortley who began to take advantage of the punishing and biting wind, pushing further into Castleford’s half. A goal part-way through the second-half to bring the score to 2-1 in favour of Town appeared to be all the reward Wortley would get, but they never gave up and finally scored in the dying seconds to tie the game at 2-2.
Extra-time again – could anyone break the deadlock?
Cas’ pushed on again with the wind at their backs once more, but Wortley held firm, taking their turn in the final session with wind assistance.
Town’s defence held strong despite Wortley’s ‘keeper launching the ball almost to his opposition counterpart, and it finished as it started at 2-2 which meant dreaded penalities!
It’s a horrible way to lose any match, especially at such a young age and it was easy to see the trepidation on certain player’s faces as they walked up to the spot.
Both teams ended level after the first five pen’s – scoring and missing…
No one wanted to lose, but finally at 9-8, Cas failed to convert, leaving the Wortley players, coaches and parents delirious and knowing they too would be booking their place at the Final in April…
