On a soaking wet Lake District afternoon it was St Benedicts who progressed to round 3 with a hat-trick from Park leading the way for the ‘home’ side.
With the game switched across the county to the new 3G surface at St Benedicts it was a competitive game for the hardy souls braving the north west rain and one that was in the balance for long spells.
Nelson edged St Benedicts ahead with a smart left footed finish from just inside the box but they were soon pegged back when Ogilvie-Brown slotted under the advancing keeper to draw West Lakes level.
Park then netted a quick fire hat-trick to put St Benedicts in the driving seat, his first from a spot kick and then 2 speculative long range efforts that deceived the West Lakes keeper.
The formidable Brinsden forced home a second for West Lakes to leave the score in the balance at 4-2 going into the half time break.
A comeback was going to be a tough ask for West Lakes but they worked hard trying to create a way back into the game but as the clock ticked down the next goal would prove decisive, Foster scoring from close range after Park’s long range shot had been saved by the keeper to secure a 5-2 win and a place in round 3 for St Benedicts.
All in all an excellent game of football played in the right spirit, even if the weather tested our reporters patience and his waterproof coat!
With thanks to our official photographer Gary Griffiths.
Congratulations to both teams involved! If you would like your ESFA Schools Cup game featured, then don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.