Sproatley Juniors have won the Frank Varey/Dr Lilley Cup 3-2 on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw against AFC Tickton Warriors. Jack Cutting missed the decisive penalty after a thrilling encounter at the Roy West Centre.

It was an even contest throughout the game and it was Sproatley who created the first chances of the final. Nathan Opori cut inside from the left wing before curling a shot wide, while Dan Malt held Tom Herbison’s deflected effort. The AFC Tickton defence deserved much praise as they restricted to Sproatley to a few chances in the first half as Christian Hadgraft had an attempt cleared off the line while Malt produced a great save to deny Kai Perkins.

At the other end, Matt Bennett was sharp off his line numerous times to claim through passes and free-kick deliveries, but he was thankful to see Charlie Nicholson fire wide from distance. In the other goal, Malt produced a great save to deny Herbison as the first-half ended goalless.

In the second-half, Max Theobald fired a shot wide, before Sproatley opened the scoring. A long free-kick was headed on by Perkins for Hadgraft to confidently lob Malt to score with a smart finish. Perkins nearly added himself to the scoresheet moments later as his effort from a tight angle was saved by Malt.

Tickton scored their equaliser just past the hour mark as Lewis Mills was released through on goal and he calmly slotted the ball past Bennett to level the scoring. The Warriors were unlucky to not take the lead as Joe McCabe hit the crossbar, before Sproatley hit on the counter attack as they won a penalty through Perkins getting fouled. Herbison stepped up and scored his spot-kick, despite Malt getting a firm hand on the ball, as Sproatley regained their lead.

However, it took Tickton just seven minutes to equalise as a good cross from the right was headed in by Owen Walker to set up a nervy last few moments. Sproatley created a few chances in stoppage-time as Tom Havler struck wide, while Tyler Scott fired a shot over the bar as the game went to penalties.

After Mills and Herbison scored their sides’ opening penalties, Dom Wilkinson skied Tickton’s second penalty, before Ayatu Mututengua scored to give Sproatley the advantage. Nicholson and Opori missed their respected penalties, before Jack Barnett scored his penalty to give Tickton a lifeline. After Ellis Miller converted his penalty, all eyes focused on Tickton’s Cutting, but the midfielder unfortunately fired over his spot-kick as Sproatley secured the Frank Varey/Dr Lilley Cup.

TEAMS:

AFC TICKTON WARRIORS: 1. Dan Malt (GK), 2. Connor McCaffrey, 3. Harry Smith, 22. Jack Barnett, 6. Tom Allison, 10. Max Theobald, 44. Jack Cutting, 7. Lewis Mills, 11. Joe McCabe, 9. Charlie Nicholson, 8. Dom Wilkinson. Rolling Substitutes: 18. Owen Walker, 17. Matt Bloomfield.

SPROATLEY JUNIORS: 1. Matt Bennett, 11. Jack Berry-Wilson, 17. Ayatu Mututengua, 5. Adam Rooms, 3. Ellis Miller, 7. Harvey Newton, 2. Tom Herbison, 10. Joe Reeves, Nathan Opori (Not Numbered), 9. Kai Perkins, 12. Christian Hadgraft. Rolling Substitutes: 6. Jay Hatton, 18. Tyler Scott, 4. Carl Hadgraft, 14. Tom Havler.

Match Officials: Phillip Cartlich (Referee), James Daniel & Reece Boyeson (Assistant Referee’s), David Shimmin (Fourth Official)

PENALTIES: [AFC Tickton elected to go first]

(Sproatley Juniors win 3-2 on penalties)