Athletic Unable to Tame Lions
It was heartbreak for Offa in the first game of the season as two goals in the last 5 minutes of extra time meant an early exit from the NEWFA Challenge Cup in what was a fiercely contested cup tie.
Offa thought they had taken the lead through James Gibney before the referee harshly chalked the goal off for offside.
It was the away side that took the lead in contentious fashion as the striker seemed to kick the ball out of keeper Lewis Hallam's hands. However, the goal stood.
Offa pressed for an equaliser in the second half but were toothless in front of goal. Step up John Dean who grabbed a well deserved equaliser with 5 minutes to go. Full Time: Offa 1 Penyffordd 1. Extra time loomed...
Fatigue started to creep in and the Offa boys began to struggle after using all of their substitutes. However, the Offa took the lead for the first time in the game after an excellent assist from James Gibney put the ball on a plate for stalwart centre back Phil Stott to nod home.
Tiredness finally took its toll and as the Lions continued to press, Athletic conceded two late goals; the latter being a free header in the 120th minute.
Final Score: Offa Athletic 2 Penyffordd Lions 3 (AET)
It was a tough way to lose the first game of the season, especially coming from behind, but there was a lot of positives to take from the performance.
Congratulations to Penyffordd who will now face Welsh National League heavyweights Corwen in the next round.
Man of Match: Jordan Hollingsworth who had a stellar game on his debut for the club.
Next Up for Offa Athletic: MARCHWIEL VILLA (A) - Tuesday 8th August 6:30pm Kick Off
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