ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR THE SHINERS

Lichfield City FC pulled off a dramatic league cup victory against higher league opponents South Normanton Athletic.

Jamie Hawkins’ Midland Football League Division One leaders overcome the Premier Division’s basement boys on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

The game looked to be beyond Lichfield in the first half as Richard Hanslow netted twice to give the hosts what looked like a commanding lead.

But City showed their fighting spirit as they went in search of a way back into the game.

Jordan Evans saw a free-kick well saved and James Taylor headed wide as they pushed for a goal.

That foothold in the fixture finally came just before the break when Josh Mansell fired into the roof of the net.

The goal gave Lichfield a boost and they came out revitalised for the second period with Brad Rolston and Dan Sheppard testing the South Normanton keeper.

A key moment arrived when the home side were reduced to ten men after seeing a player red-carded for a challenge on Adam Robinson.

Lichfield immediately made the extra man count after a quick break saw Sheppard fire home from the edge of the box.

And City found themselves in front when sub Dan Griffiths took advantage of a defensive mix-up to tap the ball home.

But the rollercoaster game wasn’t complete yet. The ten men hit back to level through Matt Haig.

Lichfield netted their first three penalties while South Normanton missed one and saw one saved.

Luke Wright then sent his spot kick wide as Normanton reduced it to 3-2 after four penalties each – but Griffiths made no mistake to send City through to the next round.