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Grove United clinch Division One Cup in dramatic shootout

Grove United clinch Division One Cup in dramatic shootout

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Grove United have been crowned the new Division One Cup Winners after defeating Kitgum Boys in a penalty shootout.

Going into the game, it looked difficult to separate these sides on paper and so it proved in the early passages of the game as neither side was really able to get a foothold in the match. The first chance fell to Kitgum however as a penalty box scramble was cleared off the line.

At the other end of the field, there were some nervy moments this time in the Kitgum box as Grove tested out their opponents’ defence with high balls into the box resulting in another goal line clearance continuing an edgy start for both sides.

As the half wore on, the quality started to come through from two sides who clearly have Premier Division credentials with plenty of slick passing moves from both sides however with little output in the form of goal scoring opportunities as the league’s top marksman, Harry Chalk, was largely kept quiet during the game.

The second half was a much more open affair with the wide spaces taking their toll on the legs of both sides. Kitgum Boys had the better of the chances, pressing Grove’s Paul Dent into action on a couple of occasions to keep his side in the game. Moments from the end of the game, Kitgum broke clear of the defence but saw their rasping effort go into the side netting as the game headed for the dreaded shootout.

There was plenty of drama in the shootout as Kitgum took an early lead before Nedelin Vasilev saved Grove United’s opener although was ordered to be retaken after early movement off the line by the Kitgum keeper. Kitgum then missed twice before a further miss from Grove kept the shootout alive a little longer. It was all left to Grove United’s secretary, John Hughes, to settle the match with his final kick of the game to spark wild celebrations!

Congratulations to Grove United on another cup final win which they hope will form the first part of a double which could be concluded tomorrow afternoon.

Photographs from the match can be found on the League’s Flickr account online now

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