Kingsford Larkin win thrilling penalty shootout to progress in the Centenary Cup: Kingsford Larkin 1–1 MSB Woolton A (4-2 on penalties)

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Dan Paton Reporting

Kingsford Larkin progressed to the quarterfinals of the Centenary Cup after a battling performance, holding their nerve in a tense shootout after a hard-fought cup tie.

Kingsford headed into this Centenary Cup match off the back of three straight league defeats, but this competition allowed them an opportunity to turn their fortunes around against a Woolton team in decent form.

The game plan for Woolton was clear from the start, with numerous early balls over the top and onto the striker, but it was Kingsford who had the first real opportunity.

A lofted cross from the right-hand side fooled everyone as it floated onto the top of the crossbar, almost handing the lead to the greens.

Woolton carried on knocking at the door however, carving out their first real chance when a corner fell onto a red shirt, but the effort was just over.

Kingsford found themselves on the back foot, but maintained a high press and were nearly rewarded as Hao Deng stole the ball in the Woolton half, cut in and unleashed a shot that the goalkeeper was equal to.

The Reds kept on the front foot, as the first real save of the game was forced from the Kingsford goalkeeper, getting down low to stop a shot from the edge of the area.

Just before halftime, Woolton were awarded a penalty and a golden opportunity to take a deserved lead heading into the break, but the effort was wonderfully saved by the goalkeeper down low to his left, leaving the scores level.

Kingsford kicked off the second half with a spring in their step, no doubt buoyed by their opponent's penalty miss, and rocked Woolton with another counterpunch.

The ball fell to a green shirt on the edge of the area, who struck the ball off the underside of the crossbar and across the line to give Kingsford an unlikely lead, the goal just rewards for their dogged defending in the first half.

Woolton did well to pick themselves up and cranked up the pressure after conceding, forcing their opponents further and further back, and it wasn’t long before they hit back.

The Kingsford defence failed to properly clear a corner, which was volleyed into the back of their net from the edge of the area with 10 minutes still to play.

Woolton then had a golden opportunity to win the game in the dying moments, but as the ball fizzed across the six-yard box, no red shirt could get a decisive touch, sending the game to penalties.

The first two were dispatched before Kingsford blinked first, missing their second spot kick as the Woolton goalkeeper guessed right and saved.

The Reds failed to capitalise however, as their kick was also stopped, this time clawed out of the top left corner. The teams exchanged blows as both slotted away their third kicks leaving the shootout level at 2-2.

Kingsford tucked away their fourth penalty to retake the lead, before Woolton buckled under the pressure, sending their effort over the bar.

The Greens then booked their spot in the quarter finals with a calm spot kick into the bottom left corner to win the shootout 4-2.