Pictures courtesy of Marc Morris Photography

Lions suffered the cruellest of defeats in the Herts County Cup Final, with a sudden death missed penalty the only way to desperate the two sides after 120 minutes of end to end action that showcased why Masters football at this level is so great to a be a part of.

The side were dealt a blow pre-match when Summers withdrew, but with Hakim passed fit it was otherwise a pretty solid squad that arrived to take on a Hadley side that boasted several ex-pros including our good friend Mikele Liegertwood in midfield, Leon Braithwaite at the back with Patrick Ageymang and Scott McGleish up front. Hadley probably had the better of the opening exchanges, but Lions showed they carried a threat with the outstanding Stanton seeing plenty of ball and using it wisely. There were early chances with both sides hitting the woodwork, Lions’ effort via a cracking Myeroff header that cannoned back off the bar. But it was Hadley who took the lead 20 minutes in, a long throw saw Ageymang demonstrate his brute strength, leaning into Glass he created a yard to hammer home via a deflection on the turn.

Rayner was giving Lions a great outlet down the right, his lung busting runs creating spaces, one fine delivery a whisker away from Hakim. Cash and Hakim then combined well, only for an offside flag to rule out the effort while a Cash thunderbolt was acrobatically tipped away, so it was thoroughly deserved when they equalised. The ball was fed into Hakim with back to goal. He ran across goal before spinning and crossing for Cash to rise and nod home past the flailing keeper. Sadly Hakim’s troublesome calf flared up and he had to be withdrawn soon after to be replaced by Conway.

It was end to end. Rayner, Harvey, Glass and Myeroff, well protected by the effervescent Levack and Corin and the rangy Soutar had their hands full but gave their all to keep Hadley at bay. And when called upon Abrahams was in fine form with impeccable handling and a couple of superb saves. Rayner was then felled for the umpteenth time, winning Lions a free kick. Levack delivered, the ball headed partially clear, dropping 16 yards from goal onto the trusty right foot of Cash who lashed home top corner to give Lions the lead. Conway had a chance to extend it but was denied by a good save, but as the half ticked to a close Hadley drew level from the penalty spot, McGleish’s penalty rifled home after Soutar was perhaps harshly adjudged to have been the aggressor as he and his opponent went to ground.

Lions created a great chance early in the second half, Cash’s low cross on the run just evaded the onrushing Conway. At the other end Abrahams made another fine save and a goalmouth scramble wads eventually hacked clear, but otherwise Morris and Glass dealt well with the constant threat. The closest either side came to winning came to Lions, Conway striking sweetly past the keeper only for the ball to strike the recovering defender on the back side, the ball deflecting to safety.

Into extra time, and with the wind picking up it became an even harder game to call. Cash thought he’d won it and taken the match ball when he, Stanton and Conway exchanged passes, the Lions hitman rounding the keeper and slotting home only to be denied by the linesman’s flag. With time running out there was one final great chance, Corin timing his run to perfection to steal between the defenders to get a head onto Cash’s fine cross, the ball going just the wrong side of the post and so the tie went to penalties.

Up first Myeroff dragged his effort wide, but Hadley’s third spot kick was blazed over. In between Cash, Stanton, Hakim and Levack all scored, but into sudden death Hadley scored their sixth while Glass saw his effort saved, and that unfortunately was that. But the side should be proud of their efforts and for taking such a quality outfit all the way.