Debenham LC 2 Reserves 2 (Reserves won 3-1 on penalties)

The Reserves produced a thrilling fight back and then a penalty shoot out win as they defeated Debenham LC in the First Division Knock Out Trophy. Debenham made a quick start scoring twice in the opening 19 minutes through Conway and then Poxon. Louie Bloom pulled a goal back before late in the game Will Davies scored to send the tie to penalties where keeper Charlie Beckwith saved three penalties as the Reserves went through 3-1 on penalties. Louie Bloom, Will Davies and James Gaffer all successful with the Reserves penalties. They will now face Harleston Town in the next round after they beat Felixstowe & Walton United Reserves 3-0 a couple of weeks ago.

The Reserves are in cup action again on Saturday when they travel to take on Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves in the Suffolk FA Senior Cup.

Ian Cornforth and Dean Last brought in Riley Mower for his full debut at right wing back.

The Reserves started the match well, but conceded the first goal of the match on 19 minutes as Debenham scored on the counter attack through Jake Conway. Shortly later, and Debenham doubled their lead as Matt Poxon punished Leiston for not clearing the danger. The game was being played at a good tempo, but both sides were lacking the killer edge in the final third. The Reserves did pull a goal back however, when Harrison Bacon found Louie Bloom and he smashed a shot into Welton’s bottom corner.

Leiston made changes at the break, meaning Will Davies player higher up the pitch. The Reserves defended well, as Debenham hit the crossbar and created some good chances. Leiston, on the counter attack, broke well and Will Davies fired a strike from outside the box and giving Welton no chance. Debenham continued to create chances, with the whole of the Blues side doing well to keep them out.

FT: - Debenham LC 2-2 Leiston Reserves.

In the penalty shoot out, Gaffer, Bloom and Davies all scored, with Charlie Beckwith making 3 penalty saves to send the Ressies through. It’s the first time they have ever reached the First Division KO Cup quarter-finals. The first team won it in 2002, as they defeated Histon Reserves in the final at Needham Market FC.

Line-ups:-

Debenham LC:- Welton, Stollery, Hutchings, Thorrold, Crowe, Langfield, Milliard, Poxon, Austin, Howell, Conway. Subs:- Barker, Joseph, Douglas, Chaplin.

Leiston Reserves:- Beckwith, Mower (McGuckin), Groom, Gaffer, Canham, Coldwell, Fricker (Morling), Bacon, Bloom, Davies, Kiwoyma (Alcock). Subs not used:- Mansfield, Noon.

Man of the match:- Charlie Beckwith.