PLANTERS DIG DEEP THANKS TO ALEXANDER
NORWICH UTD 4 PETERBORO’ NS 1
NORWICH UNITED came from behind to claim a hard-fought victory over Peterborough Northern Star after extra-time.
Star were leading the Planters at the break, but a nightmare spell just after the restart saw Steve Wilson’s side reduced to ten men and lose their most threatening player to injury in the space of just five minutes.
The hosts went on to turn the tables thanks to three goals in extra time.
Norwich United started well with Harry Barker and Finlay Barnes applying pressure in the opening exchanges, but it was clear from the off that Visitors’ posed a dangerous threat through the pace of frontman Tai Williams on the counter attack.
United enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession throughout the first half but it was the Stars who drew first blood when Williams slotted home a 22nd-minute spot kick.
Just before the interval Star forward Zak Dunn and Planters striker Haydn Davis were both cautioned for a melee after a late tackle.
Extraordinarily, Dunn picked up a second yellow card, for time-wasting, seven minutes after the restart, adding insult to injury for Star, who were forced into replacing Williams through injury just seconds earlier.
The Planters continued to press but Peterborough showed great resilience to hold firm until the 75th minute when Barnes levelled from the spot.
Despite a 90th-minute goalmouth scramble, Star took the tie to extra time.
United’s decisive second came 12 minutes into extra time when Dillon Alexander headed home Barnes’s free-kick.
Planters’ assistant manager Tom Marsden said he always felt his side’s second goal would prove crucial. “Even at 1-1 I felt we were comfortable, but it was all about getting ourselves in front,” he said.
“Once we got the break through we deserved, the lads saw the game out well and I’m proud of that.
“Credit to Peterborough, they defended well but I’m pleased with how we kept putting pressure on them until it paid off.”
Marsden’s side sealed victory seven minutes from time when Barnes added a third after a great burst of pace, before Ben Fowkes made his side’s place in the second-round draw safe with the Planters’ fourth in the 119th minute.
STAR MAN: Finlay Barnes (Norwich) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★