Saturday Cups: Medics finally see off Stanley with 18th penalty of dramatic shootout
LEEDS MEDICS AND DENTISTS progressed through to the quarter-finals of the Leeds and District FA Senior Challenge Cup after triumphing in a penalty shootout which lasted 18 penalties against Stanley United.
Niall Robinson took the deciding spot kick which finally secured Medics a 5-4 victory after the match had finished 0-0 after extra-time.
Both teams cleared efforts off the line in a forgettable first half before the game opened up in the last half hour.
Medics were off-target with a number of efforts that should have signalled an advance to the next round but they nearly paid for their profligacy.
Stanley did the late attacking in the contest and had one excellent chance when a pass was delivered on a plate for Ashley Munton who blazed over from five yards.
Another half chance was missed by United with seconds to go before the game went to penalties.
And after some great saves by both goalkeepers, Robinson finally scored the deciding penalty.
Medics will now play Headingley of the West Yorkshire League Premier Division.
Meanwhile, in the semi-finals of the Leeds and District FA Saturday District Cup, Beeston St Anthony’s and Leeds City Reserves booked their places in the final.
Leeds City Reserves drew 2-2 with Headingley AFC Reserves after extra-time but City held their nerve to win the penalty shootout 6-5.
It was more straightforward for Beeston St Anthony’s in the other semi-final as they cruised past Cricketers AFC, winning 5-1.
Leeds City Reserves and Beeston St Anthony’s will now contest the District Cup final at Bracken Edge on April 12.
Meanwhile, in the Wharfedale Cup relay, Yeadon Ventus won 4-1 at Horsforth St Mary’s.