Eckington Juniors U10s progressed through to the Evesham Ambassador League Cup Final on Saturday, winning a tight and tense semi-final against Tewkesbury Town Colts.

But for the second cup game in succession Eckington needed penalties to get them there.

Having defeated Alcester Town Rangers 9-8 on penalties in the quarter final, it was set to be a case of déjà vu.

Eckington started the stronger of the two sides, but despite playing some good football, chances were few and far between.

The highlight of the first half was a great save from the Tewkesbury Town keeper to deny Alex McMillan’s shot from outside the box that looked like it would break the deadlock.

Tewkesbury battled back in to the game and put Eckington under pressure but it was the energy and effort of the two defences and midfields that were cancelling each other out.

The second half picked up where the first left off with defences on top and despite the toil of both sides it looked increasingly like one goal would settle it.

That goal very nearly came from Tewkesbury Town, who created the game’s clearest opportunity with 10 minutes to go, only to be denied by an excellent save from Aidan Reid in the Eckington goal.

Both teams strived for one more chance in the nerve jangling final minutes but both defences stood firm and the final whistle blew to take the game in to penalty kicks.

Tewkesbury stepped up to take the first penalty which was struck hard and high to ‘keeper Aidan Reid’s left, but he somehow reached out a strong left hand to push the ball on to the bar and away to safety.

Reid then coolly stepped up to convert Eckington’s first penalty and give them the advantage.

When Tewkesbury’s second penalty was placed wide of the post the momentum was with the away side and it was eventually left to Liam Champken to step up and slot home the winning penalty to set up a Cup Final date with Inkberrow Falcons on April 22 after they defeated Shipston Excelsior in the other semi-final.

Stuart McMillan