Olympian League Review

Birkdale Trophies Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

Premier Division Bushey Grove made it through to the final of the Challenge Cup but only after 120 minutes of high drama as they finally prevailed 3-1 on penalties following a 4-4 draw with first division United, who were just seconds from reaching the final.

The game was end to end from the start, with Harrison Jones giving Bushey Grove an early lead with a well-taken finish from inside the box. But United soon drew level when player-manager Peter Challis’ long throw into the box caused havoc and Steven Ward rifled home the equaliser.

It was in the second half that the game really exploded into life though.

United went ahead soon after the restart when Matt Byrne capitalised on a mistake by the Bushey centre-half. However, the lead didn’t last long as Sean Shinkwin drilled home the equaliser.

United restored their advantage through Byrne with his second of the game, only for their opponents to draw level again when Shinkwin also netted his second goal of the game with a volley after good work by Rod Ladmore.

With five minutes left United looked to have won the semi-final when another long throw from Challis was turned home by Rhys McLoud.

But deep into added-on time, and with just seconds left, Bushey took the tie to extra-time when Paul Kenwright’s free-kick was turned home by Luc Grant.

The additional 30 minutes produced no further goals despite both sides missing good chances to secure their place in the final, so the tie was decided by a shoot-out.

Bushey can thank goalkeeper Steve Fabray for reaching the final after he saved the first two United kicks, before Bushey themselves missed.

Although United did score one of their kicks, it was left to Kenwright to book Bushey’s place in the final at Kings Langley on April 26.

Bovingdon await Bushey Grove in the final after they shocked Prince George with a 5-1 win.

The victors took the lead through Mark McNicholas, only for Prince George to equalise from the spot through top scorer Luke Everitt after a foul by Chris Truman.

Bovingdon then retook the lead when Ben Davies headed home before Harry Slade made it 3-1 soon after.

A fourth goal quickly followed as Davies netted again after a great through ball from Chris Kimonos.

Davies completed his hat-trick and the scoring when he beat the Prince George offside trap.

Premier Division

Inter won the battle of the bottom two in the top flight, beating Cassiobury Revolution 2-1 to win their first league game of the season.

All of the goals came in the second half, with Inter taking a two-goal lead thanks to efforts from Chris Stead and Dan Kenna.

Cassiobury reduced the deficit late on thanks to a penalty from Paul Shelock, but they were unable to snatch a point.

Two of the title contenders, Old Danes Athletic and Hertfordshire Lions, fought out a 3-3 draw.

Old Danes remain unbeaten in the league but it is their habit of continually drawing games which could cost them the title, although they did come back from 2-0 and 3-1 down to take the point.

Chris White, Lewis Chappel van Gilst and Rob Rossiter scored the Danes goals, with Hertfordshire netting through Jamie Balmer, George Benedetti, and Louis McNamara.

Division One

Woodlands Laurels have finally won a league game this season after securing a 2-1 victory against Roundbush.

Darren Reilly and Darryl Lee were on target for Laurels to put them 2-0 ahead in the first half.

Determined to protect their lead, Woodlands defended well until Bush pulled a goal back late on from Blaise Shevrington. But it was not enough to prevent Woodlands from picking up three points for the first time.

Dynamo Croxley are up to third in the table after coming from behind to beat WD Athletic 4-3.

Pat Turner and Jed Booth gave WD a two-goal lead before Ashley Dale Jones pulled one back.

Pat Armstrong restored the two-goal lead for WD by half time, but the second period was all one-way traffic towards the Athletic goal, with Aaron Bright scoring early in the half.

A fine individual run and shot from Jack Mason pulled Croxley level and with ten minutes left James Graham capitalised on a mistake in the box, firing home for the win.

Watford Labour Club and Bedmond drew 1-1.

Mark Bedford put Labour in front in the second half before James Harvey levelled with a quarter-of-an-hour left.