04 October 2007
Reserves 3 LSS Lucarlys Reserves 1
United began their defence of the Challenge Cup with a tricky tie against a youthful and well organised Lucarlys. In a game which United dominated, it turned into a day of drama as the Whites created chance after chance after the visitors had taken a surprise lead against the run of play. Ben Good, returning from suspension, saw his header flash wide from Dave Coyde’s corner, while top scorer Scott Lowman brought an outstanding point blank save from Cook on the stroke of half-time. In fact, Cook was in brilliant form to keep the cup holders out, with a string of fine saves throughout the game.
The second half continued with United well on top, Matt Malinkovic, Lowman, Kallum Smith and Alex Knibbs all seeing efforts saved by Cook. Lucarlys were clinging to their one goal lead, and skipper Ryan Creane thought he’d snatched an equalizer when he turned home a Tom Myatt cross, but Myatt was adjudged offside. With time running out United piled on the pressure and finally got their reward when the lively Lowman continued his goal hungry form to score from close range.
Into extra time and United’s youngsters continued to drive forward. Smith’s corner was headed clear, but Malinkovic picked up the loose ball and fired the Whites into the lead from 20 yards, his first goal for the club. Then substitute Alex Troughton made victory safe, cutting inside from the right and smashing home, to cap an excellent team performance from United’s youngsters. |
