Catholic Club edge it on penalties

THE Sun Chemical trophy semi-finals saw Catholic Club progress in a stiff encounter against Woodhouse United.

The match ended a 1-1 draw after extra time and the following penalty shoot-out saw Catholic Club run out 4-3 winners.

In the first-half, Catholic Club created several chances, Woodhouse’s aerial threat allowed them to create some chances from set pieces, but in spite of this the half remained goalless.

The second-half started with a greater tempo, with an impetus on attack from both sides and soon to follow was the first goal.

A flowing Catholic Club move, saw Lewis Altimas break into the box to meet a cross from the right-hand side. However, the lead wasn’t maintained for long, Woodhouse’s quick counterattacking pulled them back with 20 minutes to go.

Catholic Club up first; Corey Lewis stepped up and smashed the ball into top left.

Woodhouse stepped up, but Ashley Jones guess right to deny the ball from the back of the net. However, Catholic Club’s goal-scorer Lewis Altimas placed his penalty wide.

The score was made equal with a successful Woodhouse penalty, to make it 1-1.

Woodhouse missed a second penalty, however Rhys Greenwood and George Genesis gave Catholic Club the advantage, which was rounded off by Dec Jones

Catholic Club manager Ryan Russel said: “Delighted for the lads, they gave me absolutely everything today against a physical Woodhouse team.

“No better feeling than to win on penalties.”

In the Christine Robinson League Cup semi-final Highfield also won on penalties following a 1-1 draw against Littleborough.

Both teams were very attack minded from kick-off, the game was from end-to-end with great chances from both sides.

Littleborough opened the scoring through Jack Holt, but midway through the second half Boro saw red.

The extra man advantage did provide Highfield with more power going forward, as the prolific Matty Knowles got the equaliser. After 90 minutes, the game remained even and went straight to penalties.

Boro missed their first, but Highfield’s skipper Craig Wood scored to set the example for his side.

Gaz Horrocks was then given the final penalty of the match to seal Highfields shootout win.

Highfield manager Wayne Whitlow commented: “This game could have gone either way and even though I am so chuffed to win. I still feel sorry for Boro, it’s a pity there had to be a loser.

“I’d like to add that referee Mike Wilmore is one of the classiest referee’s in the league, He had a superb game.”