Goalkeeper Ian Studholme was Windscale’s hero in their Alan Hood Charity Cup at home to Durham Corinthians.
On the stage that probably most goalkeepers enjoy best – the penalty shoot-out – he produced the save that gave his side a 7-6 spot-kick win.
Following Windscale’s heavy programme of games since the start of the season, manager Stephen Fawcett rang the changes to rest some players and provide others with some much-needed game time.
The first period provided an open game of football between two evenly-matched sides who worked tirelessly to make a breakthrough and create chances. The lack of goals was due mainly to commendable performances from both custodians.
However, it was the Corinthians who broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. A cross from Harry Spence brushed the head of Matty Smith and ended with the ball nestling into the back of the Windscale net.
The same player almost doubled the score a couple of minutes later. He hit a speculative shot from outside the penalty box, but the ball crashed against the crossbar and cannoned back into play. The one goal cushion remained in place at the half time whistle.
The second period was a mirror image of the first, with both sides attempting to breach the others defensive backlines.
The turning point came with the introduction of Windscale’s Dean Fox 20 minutes from the end. He was sent off on a run down the right wing and his low cross landed at the feet of Matthew Sempill who fired into the net to bring the scores level.
Both teams had justifiable claims for penalties following this which were brushed away by the match official, and the game ended at 1-1. The rules of the competition decree that extra time is dispensed with and the tie is then decided by a penalty shoot-out.
Windscale’s Ryan Byrne, a regular penalty taker for the team was first to step up, and his effort was well saved by the Corinthians keeper. The visitors responded by taking the lead with their first effort.
Sempill fired home to level the scores before Studholme then saved the Corinthians 2nd penalty to nullify the advantage.
The dreaded walk from the centre circle to the penalty spot following this had no fears for the home side as Byran Todd, Reece Fretwell, Lewis White, Leo Brennan, Steve Walker and Joe Atkinson were all successful with subsequent efforts.
It was goalkeeper Studholme who became the hero of the day pushing away the Corinthians last spot kick to take Windscale into the next round 7-6 on penalties.
