Town edged out in final

2:56pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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Halstead Town suffered heartache after losing their First Division Knockout Cup Final in a penalty shoot-out.

Their game with Ely City finished Mildenhall finished 1-1 after extra-time, but the Cambridgeshire side won 6-5 on penalties.

Both sides scored their first four spot-kicks, before Ely skipper Simon Warren missed the fifth.

But Ely keeper Lee Facey saved Daniel Cooper's attempt at the foot of the post.

Both sides netted their sixth spot-kick and Dave Daniels put Ely ahead with the seventh.

However, Wayne Saunders was denied by Facey and the Fenmen lifted the trophy.

There was little to choose between the sides in the first half when Halstead had the advantage of the slope but little got through to the respective keepers.

Halstead went close in a spell of pressure late in the first half with Lou Harper's drive cleared off the line by Stone while at the other end keeper Paul Rutherford denied Johnston's low drive.

The second half opened in exciting fashion, with both sides scoring within the first ten minutes.

Ely drew first blood when Falla impeded Chatters.

And from the resultant free-kick, defender Ben Lawrence turned the ball home in a crowded goalmouth.

But Halstead were soon back on terms, when the impressive Danny Rowell fed Harper who beat his marker and crossed to the far post for Chris Bryan to drive into the roof of the net.

The game went into extra-time but although both keepers pulled off several good saves, the final went to a penalty shoot-out, where Ely prevailed.