The pen is mightier than The Leafe

Whyteleafe were left to rue not taking their chances on Saturday after losing a six goal FA Cup replay against Erith Town- at the home of VCD Athletic- last night. It was a match that featured extra time, a penalty shoot out, and- count them- four penalties in seven crazy first half minutes.

Erith were already a goal to the good when they were awarded the first penalty of the match in the 38th minute, Ryan Golding stepping up to slot home and double their advantage. The Leafe were soon back in it, however, as Sam Clayton- last year’s Player of the Season, and the best player on the park in the original match before injury apparently forced him off- scored two penalties of his own to level the tie. But even then the drama hadn’t ended, as just before the half time whistle another spot kick was awarded, this time to the home side, allowing Golding to put Erith back into the lead.

The second half had less incident- thankfully for the blood pressure of all concerned- and Leafe got the equaliser with seven minutes to go, Jahmal Howlett-Mundle poking in after a scramble in the six yard box to send the tie to extra time. A further thirty minutes failed to be decisive, and off we went to a penalty shootout. The home side scored their first two kicks, Whyteleafe sent both of theirs over the bar, and although Jerry Amoo was able to reduce the arears Erith were not to be denied and will now take on Burgess Hill Town in the next round.

In the other FA Cup Preliminary Round replay featuring our clubs last night, Romford stormed to a 3-1 win over Stowmarket Town. They will now entertain AFC Hornchurch in the First Qualifying Round.