Asfordby FC Lions edge through in League Cup thriller

Asfordby FC Lions Under 15s booked their place in the next round of the League Cup with a thrilling win at Bharat Sports on Sunday.

After facing each other five times last season, Asfordby were eager to keep their unbeaten run going over Bharat, and were soon on the attack.

And they were ahead when Saffhill headed on Digby’s long throw to Hill who volleyed into the net.

Bharat pressed for the equaliser, but Wallis, Herod, Cook and Jolliffe dealt well with their attacks and keeper Wade commanded his area.

London then cleared to Herod who in turn fed Hill to lob the on-rushing keeper and double the lead.

Bharat made it 2-1 when Asfordby failed to deal with a corner, and with half-time approaching Bharat struck again to level.

Hewkin replaced the injured Jolliffe for the second half which saw Digby, Addy, McCafferty and Saffhill boss midfield.

Great inter-play between McCafferty and Saffhill saw the former find Hill who then flicked it past the defender and completed his hat-trick.

Cook chased back and made a great tackle to clear a dangerous attack, but from the resulting corner Bharat equalised once more.

Soon after Bharat were ahead for the first time when the visitors failed to deal with a loose ball.

Wade dived to his left to stop a certain goalbound header, and his clearance set up another Asfordby attack which ended in a penalty when a Bharat defender handled in the area.

Hill’s initial shot was pushed away by the diving keeper, but as Bharat celebrated the save, Hill smashed in the rebound.

Both sides pushed for the winner, and after the Lions stood tall to repel Bharat, Digby stormed forward through three tackles.

Addy then drew the defence with his run and forced a corner.

Hewkin caused confusion in the box from Hill’s inswinging corner, and a Bharat defender turned the ball into their own net.

Asfordby, sponsored by L’oliveto Italian restaurant, visit Kirby Muxloe in the next round, and are on the road again this Sunday when they travel to Harborough Town.

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