Waveney advanced in this SCFA cup tie with a penalty shoot-out win over Ransomes Sports as their fifth and final spot-kick proved decisive after the visitors had missed from 12 yards. This tense game has ended 0-0 with neither side unable to break the deadlock.
There was no early advantage for either side in the shoot-out as both sides penalty takers dispatched their opening four penalties with ease, both teams proving perfect from the spot. The pressure of keeping Ransomes in the competition however proved too much as they nissed their fifth penalty, but not so for Waveney, as they moved into the next round draw with an emphatic finish.
The thrilling ending was hardly in keeping with a sometimes stodgy occasion as both sides appeared to struggle to reach their highest levels.
It was a day of anticipation, tension and ultimate heartbreak with Ransomes almost off to the perfect start. A second minute corner, won by Ransomes on the right, saw Josh Connick rise the highest in a crowded goalmouth but the youngster, provided with the opportunity to open his club account, headed over.
Waveney then crafted out their one and only chance of the first half on six minutes when a deep cross from the right was headed over at the back post and thereafter, Ransomes were the ones to create the better chances of the half. Yani Duka’s run set up Brandon Archer but his powerful drive was blocked and hacked clear on 21 minutes. Archer was then presented with another chance just after the half hour mark as Ransomes searched for the opening goal. Brandon Thomas played a delightful ball through the lines that saw BA roll his marker and break clear towards goal in the inside right channel. With the home keeper advancing, BA lifted his shot over him only to watch as it fell agonisingly wide of the far post. And, the previous in-form striker could not believe it when, he failed to make good contact on a Jack Randall cut back from the left bye-line, a stretching lunge saw the inviting delivering just out of reach.
Unfortunately, this period of domination, with nothing to show, would ultimately cost Ransomes.
The Waveney manager was not happy with his team’s performance at half-time. Ransomes had been the better of the two teams, but he would have been encouraged by his sides opening response to the second half. Ransomes were almost punished during these exchanges but Jack Frinton, looking a more accomplished keeper with each passing game, made a sharp save low to his left to keep parity in the match.
The momentum seemed to now be with Waveney but they did precious little with it, struggling to really hurt Ransomes. A couple of injuries stalled the game and Ransomes were better for the breather, and tellingly, from this point, neither side registered a shot of note on target during a half of very few chances. Admittedly, in time added on, Jack Randall went close for Ransomes with a thumping shot that curled wide of the far post, before Waveney had their opportunity to win the tie, but poked wide of the upright from six yards as both sides ensured a tense end to the stalemate with eight added minutes.
Although highly disappointing to lose on penalties, Matt Oxbrow was a constant for Ransomes, encouraging from the back, and supporting the youngsters around him. It was hats off too as improvements were seen on the day in young Jack Ferguson, Harley Rush and Josh Connick. Much more of this on a consistent and regular basis and Ransomes will be in a better place with the power balance within the side readjusted. We all know however, that this will only be secured with time and commitment from both the players and management, but for the moment, the Senior players still have a big part to play in their development, and the clubs stability.