Long wait ends with cup defeat

Fav Strike Force

Faversham Strike Force let slip a two-goal extra-time lead to suffer an agonising cup defeat on penalties at the weekend. In their first match since the festive break, and for three weeks in all, the Force hosted Tudor Sports in the third round of the Bill Manklow InterRegional Challenge Cup and an entertaining game ended goalless after 90 minutes. The goals came in extra time as Kane Taylor and Tom Axford gave their side what appeared to be a matchwinning advantage. Tudor Sports refused to wilt, however, and somehow managed to claw their way back on to level terms in order to send the match to penalties. A remarkable turnaround was completed as Dave Walsh was the only one of the 10 spot-kick takers to miss – handing the visitors a 5-4 shootout win. “We played OK considering we have not had a game for three weeks,” said Force manager Gary Axford. “We should have been able to hang on in extra time but on reflection the performance was good.” Under-9 Thunder were also back in action as Jack Wyles scored one goal and assisted another against Schulz and Moore. First, Wyles’ corner was headed in by Sammy Laker before he found the net himself with a long-range free-kick. Rufus Mcintyre was named player of the match. Eli Monger and Reggie Hughes were on target for Strike Force under-8s against Rising Stars.