TOWN LOSE CUP TIE ON PENALTIES

Amersham produced their best performance of the season against Premier Division side Wembley in the League Challenge Trophy at Spratleys Meadow on Tuesday night.

Manager Dwaine Bryan elected to rest key players in order to give fringe squad players some game time. Both sides played a fast tempo passing game on the excellent playing surface with chances created at both ends but both goalkeepers kept their goals intact; Wembley were grateful to their goalie Dario Zavango for two high class saves. Town went in at half-time one goal to the good following Reon Thomas’ finish on 28 minutes. Soon after the restart Wembley equalised at the far post as the Town defence failed to deal with a low cross from the left. Undeterred, Town continued to play with confidence, plenty of time with the ball, chances created but no end product. Thomas Littleboy came off the bench and straight into the action causing the Wembley defence problems with his close ball control and distribution. It was Littleboy who scored Town’s second with a direct free-kick from just outside the penalty area, helped in no small way by the inadequate defensive wall. Wembley equalised soon after through Stephen Ebomme with Town’s defence failing to cut out another cross, this time from the right. Ebomme was then sent off for a second caution and play became scrappy with numerous stoppages for free-kicks and injuries. With full time looming one last Wembley attack resulted in the ball hitting Town’s bar and bouncing to safety before being cleared. Honours even at the whistle but Town’s inability to convert penalties in the shoot-out cost them dear with one saved, one hit the bar and one dragged wide of the post.

Starting IX: T Thomas, Beaumont, Mistretta, Ankrah, Symons, Aldridge ©, Johnson, Grant, R Thomas, Ramsey, Williams Subs used: Hagan, De Vall, Littleboy Subs not used: Clarke, Madeinlo