Cumberland County League Division One champions Dearham produced their best display of the season to reach the semi-final of the Whitehaven Cup.
After a 0-0 draw with Premier Division runners-up and previous champions Maryport Athletic they won a dramatic penalty shootout 7-6.
They had to defend solidly throughout as Maryport had the lion’s share of possession but the village side did have chances to win it in the 90 minutes.
Chairman Jack Brown took the first penalty and it was saved by Maryport keeper Darren Rule. Aaron Lister, in goal for Dearham, repeated the feat to keep out Maryport’s first spot kick.
The next 13 penalties were scored, so 7-6 to Dearham when Lister saved and they thought it had won the game. But the referee awarded a retake because the keeper had stepped off his line.
Lister, who had already scored one of the seven penalties, then became a double hero when he saved the retake to send Dearham through to the semi-final.
They will be at home on Saturday, May 16 to either Mirehouse or Workington Juniors who play their quarter final on May 13.
Brown said: “It had been a great battle between two hard-working teams and a real rewarding performance for us as we look to figure out teams in the top division.
“We’ve showed ourselves capable of competing at that level and we look forward to the semi-final but known any team we face will again be a test, It was, however, a great result in what is proving to be an amazing season.”
There were three other games in mid-week, also in the Whitehaven Cup with wins for Premier Division champions Unisun Athletic, Bransty Rangers and Workington Juniors.
In an all-Carlisle affair Unisun were 4-0 winners at Northbank with goals from George Carter, Liam Graham, Ellis Dickinson and James-Lee Reynolds.
Workington Juniors had to work hard to beat Cleator Moor Celtic reserves with the only goal scored by Tommy Whitehead.
In an all-Division One clash Bransty Rangers came out on top 3-0 at Whitehaven Miners Development with goals from Liam O’Pray, Chris Armstrong and Jonah Murray.
