Shoot-out hero: Shrimpers goalkeeper Sam Felgate. Picture: CHRIS SMITH
by TERRY FRANCIS
HARWICH AND PARKESTON 2
LOPES TAVARES 2
First Division Knockout
Cup quarter-final
(Harwich won 4-3 on penalties)
HARWICH dug deep to win this exciting cup tie on penalties and go through to a mouth-watering semi-final against the winners of the White Ensign and Little Oakley tie.
With Lopes Tavares delayed in traffic, the match kicked off 15 minutes late and it was Harwich who were quick off the starting blocks.
In the first minute, Lopes Tavares goalkeeper Akin Akinola brought off a fine diving save at the expense of a corner.
The Shrimpers continued their impressive start and deservedly took the lead in the 22nd minute with an excellent move that saw Sean Bartlett lay the ball off for Jake Plane to score with a volley into the corner of the net.
Volleyed goal: Jake Plane put Harwich ahead against Lopes Tavares. Picture: CHRIS SMITH
Harwich increased their lead in the 35th minute, when they won a penalty following a foul and Bartlett duly converted the spot-kick.
Eight minutes from half-time, Lopes Tavares were back in contention, with Jay Jamali netting from close range.
There was a scare for Lopes Tavares early in the second half when Akinola rushed out and missed the ball but the bounce did not fall kindly for Harwich.
Lopes Tavares got their slick passing game together to show why they are favourites for the southern division title and Harwich were forced to defend stoutly.
With nine minutes of normal time remaining, Lopes Tavares equalised when Joel Apriah headed in a cross at the far post.
At the close of the 90 minutes, the match went straight to a penalty decider.
The Shrimpers netted four of their five spot-kicks through Bartlett, Dan Clark, Plane and substitute Lewis Blanchard, while Lopes Tavares scored with their first three attempts.
Harwich man-of-the-match, goalkeeper Sam Felgate then brought off two great saves.
Mike Wallace's men have no game on Saturday but the reserves entertain Stanway Athletic at the Gwinnell & Sons Royal Oak (kick-off 2.30pm).
Cool head: Sean Bartlett slotted home his side's second goal from the penalty spot. Picture: CHRIS SMITH
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