A LAST-GASP SCREAMER FROM JAKE BULLA MINETT SENDS OUR LIONS MEN TO THE KAPPA PRO SERIES SEMI-FINALS
Our Lions Men grasped a euphoric 2-1 victory after an incredible conclusion that saw Jake Bulla Minett erase Peninsula Power’s last-minute equaliser with a brilliant winner.
The action continued from Saturday evening as if no time had passed at all. The first yellow card was drawn in the fifth minute, and the game resumed with the same physicality as displayed in our 3-1 victory at home.
Peninsula Power came back to Luxury Paints Stadium with a point to prove, keeping us under heavy pressure in the opening stages and forcing an early low save from Cardiff Pond.
We struck back on the counter, breaking the pressure after ten minutes and surging forward with pace, but the keeper reacted quickly to smother Joe Duckworth’s first-time strike.
Cardiff Pond reacted quickly to make a sharp double-save at the near post as Peninsula Power continued to run off the shoulder and create shots from narrow angles. A fine low shot from Alex Fiechtner was parried wide at the final moment, and Andy Pengelly had a goal disallowed for offside.
We entered the break level, having defended strongly in a frantic and physically demanding first half.
Cardiff Pond was immediately forced to make another diving save as Peninsula Power continued to strike from close range. The game continued in the same end-to-end fashion, with neither side showing caution in the pursuit of possession.
Finn Beakhurst broke the deadlock minutes before the hour mark, cutting the ball across his defender with poise before guiding a powerful low effort into the bottom right corner at the near post. Brilliant composure.
Down the other end, Joshua Brindell-South made a clinical tackle from behind to recover possession before Power could release a shot.
Joe Duckworth limped off after a strong-willed performance over two games against Power. A valiant performance while enduring numerous challenges in the centre of the park.
The final moments erupted into carnage. Cardiff Pond extended himself to make an excellent diving save as Power piled on the pressure. Despite our resolute defending, the visitors eventually claimed their equaliser, thundering home on the half-volley to draw level in the 89th minute.
We looked destined for Extra-Time until a blistering counterattack saw the ball squared to Jake Minett in space. Taking a measured touch into space, Jake Bulla Minett unleashed a pure centreback’s strike across goal into the top left corner!
Last minute madness to send us to the Semi-Finals of the Kappa Pro Series. Celebrated in style.
MATCH DETAILS
Kappa Pro Series Quarter Final
Lions FC 2 – 1 Peninsula Power
Luxury Paints Stadium, Richlands
NEXT MATCH
NPL Men 2024 Round #13
Lions FC vs. Rochedale Rovers
Underwood Park, Priestdale