Ellistown FC v Allexton & New Parks FC

Following on from Maidstone shocking Ipswich Town in the FA Cup, could Ellistown follow up by knocking Premier League runner way leaders Allexton And New Parks out of the league Cup.

In the end we fell just short with Allexton winning 4-2 on Penalties after a 1-1 draw in a game that was an excellent advert for Leicestershire Senior League Premier division football.

In a game that was fiercely contested with no quarter given, credit to Ref Tom Hollidge who let the game flow and allowed the players to play.

As you would expect, Allexton had the majority of the ball in the first half but they met an Elllistown defence who would not crack and stood up to our opponents. Credit to our back four who were led by our centre-backs Chris Sykes (aka Nemanja Vidic) and Ronnie Morley (aka John Terry) who enjoyed a great battle with Zak Adams. The returning Craig Brooker and Finley Tomlinson at full-back also played a vital role cutting off supply from the wings. Apart from an early chance when Allexton hit the crossbar, our keeper Tyler Weeks was having one of his quieter games.

While Town were content to hold Allexton, it was not one way traffic and the midfield trio of Mylo Walker, Fran Blake and Luke Higgins battled to supply flying wingers Christian Ngueusseu and Dan Yadav who caused Allexton problems all day. Up front, Tom Vyce had to be patient but was causing problems when he had the ball.

Allexton finally breached our defence on 37 mins when Matt Dennis slotted home from close range.

EFC 0-1 ANP 37 mins

The old Ellistown would have collapsed, but this is the new Ellistown and we dusted ourselves down and went again and left the pitch at half-time knowing Allexton where in a game that Town could win.

EFC 0-1 ANP FT

The 2nd half was like a classic heavy weight boxing match, as both sides went for each other and this opened up the game to some superb pass and move football. Crucially for Ellistown, we could not fashion the chances we needed while Allexton where always dangerous on the break.

Fresh legs for Ellistown with Jake "Simmo" Robertson, Stanley North, Sam Collins and Gio Stylianou entering the field paid dividends as one of those subs, Simmo equalised on 75 mins as he flicked home a cross at the near post.

EFC 1-1 ANP 75 mins

Could town go on and sneak the win as we looked more dangerous with Tom Vyce's free-kicks giving Freddie Young something to think about in the Allexton goal.

Town were indebted to Assistant Referee Kevin French who flagged for offside when Allexton thought they had scored the 2nd.

With Town going for win, Allexton had more space on the counter and only great last ditch challenges from our back-line kept us in it.

With Penalties on the horizon, it was Town who finished stronger but we could not fashion that one chance we needed so the final whistle went with both teams showing each other respect in a 1-1 draw.

EFC 1-1 FT

Penalties are a harsh way to lose and a good way to win and Allexton showed their class by scoring all 4 of their penalties, while Town will be kicking themselves for missing 2.

So Allexton win 4-2 on penalties and progress to the next round. We wish them well in the competition.

Summary

A superb performance from the lads who stood up to a quality Allexton side who are racing to the league title.

We are moving in the right direction and it’s key that we continue to improve as we seek a top 3 finish in the league.

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