Penalty Drama Sees Haddeham Through

Haddenham battled back from two goals down to book their place in the semi-finals of the Cambs Invitation Cup. Rovers got off to a disastrous start that saw them two down inside the first five minutes but a resurgent second-half performance saw them get

Haddenham battled back from two goals down to book their place in the semi-finals of the Cambs Invitation Cup.

Rovers got off to a disastrous start that saw them two down inside the first five minutes but a resurgent second-half performance saw them get back on terms before they went on to clinch the tie on penalties.

It was, in every sense, a game of two-halves as, following a sluggish opening 45, Rovers went in two goals down and staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat.

Following a half-time chastisement from manager Ben Sealey however, Rovers galvanised themselves and came out for the second-half brimming with purpose and gusto.

Haddenham's renewed vigour saw them reduce the deficit early on through Vicky Hutchinson as she got on the end of a precision cross from Dawn Ludbrooke. Rovers continued to press in the remainder of the half and were rewarded just five minutes from the end when 16 year-old Rebecca Tomkins smashed home following a weaving run.

Understandably tentative play in extra-time brought no more scoring for either side and the inevitable penalties soon followed. There was no sense of forboding in the Haddenham camp though, as their first four penalties were all netted with a consummate ease that could only have come from sound practice.

Rovers' cause was helped immeasurably by the efforts of keeper Linda Ford whose expertly timed saves handed Haddenham the victory