Broomheads v Highfield

Sunday Trophy: Broomheads Estate Agency 1-1 Highfield (5-3 pen)

Blackpool side beat Rochdale-based opponents
BROOMHEADS ESTATE AGENCY 1-1 HIGHFIELD
(Broomheads win 5-3 on penalties)
Guide Security Sunday Trophy semi final
Wednesday 21st March
Arbories Memorial Ground, Padiham FC
Goalscorers: OG (18), Martins (90)

Broomheads Estate Agency triumphed on penalties to progress to the Guide Security Sunday Trophy final at the expense of Highfield.

A first-half own goal meant Broomheads lead for the majority of the match, before Manuel Martins equalised in style for Highfield at the death.

But the away side saw one of their spot-kicks rattle the crossbar, giving Broomheads the chance to step up and seal their place in the final.

A tentative first half saw few clear cut goalscoring opportunities for either side.

Broomheads broke the deadlock after just 18 minutes as Corey Harrison’s corner was turned into his own net by a blue shirt.

It came against the run of play at the time, as Highfield had enjoyed more possession in their opponent’s half, although Broomheads’ attacks were more purposeful.

Daniel Brierley headed wide for Highfield before Dax Hoogerwerf fired over the bar at the other end.

The introduction of Martins, a skilful forward who had been part of Benfica’s academy until the age of 15, gave Highfield an extra edge in attack which they continued during the second half.

Broomheads threatened on the counter-attack but it was Highfield who were applying more pressure, spearheaded by Martins.

Dave Cram led the charge for Broomheads shortly before the hour mark as he surged down the right flank, but could only fire high and wide once he reached the box.

At the other end, Danny Parker had two shots in quick succession but saw one blocked and one fall wide, before Martins came inches away from finding the net as his low angled effort rolled just wide of the far post.

With eight minutes remaining, Callum Kirkland was on hand to tip Daniel Holmes’ header away from the top corner and over the bar, as Highfield searched for an equaliser.

And they got one in the final seconds of normal time as Martins showed great composure and skill to turn and fire a half-volley into the back of the net.

But it wasn’t to be for Highfield, as they missed their third penalty and could only stand and watch as Elliot Ramsay fired home Broomheads’ fifth and final spot-kick to spark jubilant scenes for those in red.

Broomheads Estate Agency: Kirkland, Greenall, Royale, Unsworth, Ramsay, A Heaney, Casey, D Heaney, Hoogerwerf, Cram, Harrison
Substitutes: Hastings, Daws, Finlayson, Simpson, Parkinson

Highfield: Horrocks, O’Sullivan, Brierley, Jones, Gallagher, Porter, Knowles, McKeowan, Altimus, Williams, Holmes
Substitutes: Martins, Wood, Parker, Large, Agard