Keeper Ashley Elderkin was the hero as Spalding United advanced to the quarter-finals of the PFA Challenge Cup with a dramatic 6-5 win on penalties at Langtoft United Reserves.
The drama on Saturday (November 28) followed a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes.
With Spalding’s league form dipping over recent weeks, a cup game was a welcome break to try and regain a bit of momentum. However, the Tulips didn’t read from that script in the first half.
Despite taking the lead, it was dull. Jamie Cartlidge was credited with the goal, but skipper Dave Endersbee and a defender both got touches as a near post corner was converted over the line. Johnny Lockie had a good chance saved minutes after but apart from that, Spalding lacked movement creating overcrowding in the middle. This played into Langtoft’s hands as they threatened on the break. Moments after Lockie’s chance, Langtoft beat the offside trap and levelled. It was 1-1 at the break.
As the second half begun, Spalding looked a different proposition. There was a freshness about them, a new team spirit of players fighting for one another. They made the pitch bigger, too, through better movement off the ball.
This took the hosts by surprise. On the hour, man of the match Ben Holland claimed his second assist as he played a through ball to sub Josh McGuire who, with the outside of his boot, fired the ball to the top righthand corner from just inside the penalty area. It was just what the Tulips deserved.
Spalding played the ball out from the back well as they looked to extended their lead. But with only a goal in it, Langtoft were always a threat, especially on the counter-attack. With 20 minutes to go, they broke and won a penalty, skipper Endersbee adjudged to have brought down his man.
From the spot kick, keeper Elderkin threw himself to his right to save, pushing the ball away. Danny Nichols was first on the scene to clear the ball away to keep the Tulips ahead.
With mounting pressure, eventually Langtoft made the breakthrough with only four minutes left on the clock. A looping, deep cross was put into the box and was headed in from close range.
The game finished level and went straight to spot kicks.
The home side went first and were successful with their first two kicks before Elderkin dived to his left to pull off another stunning save. Cartlidge, Endersbee, Matt Rose and Jordan Haw all successfully converted their efforts and with Langtoft doing the same with their remaining two, Jack Chilvers had the chance to win it. He blazed over.
Sudden death commenced. Langtoft went 5-4 up before Luke Harrison brought the scores level again. With their next kick, Elderkin wasn’t called upon as he watched the forthcoming penalty fly over the bar. Tomaz Mroczka stepped up and cheekily chipped the ball down the middle to win it for Spalding.
It could have been won in the 90 minutes but manager Kev Nottingham will look for his side to build on a good second-half performance.
Tulips: Elderkin, Haw, Endersbee (c), Nichols, Chilvers, Mroczka, Rose, Holland (Harrison) Klos, Lockie (McGuire), Cartlidge.
