GFA Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final

Mangotsfield United 2 Yate Town 2

(Mangotsfield won 4-1 on penalties)

YATE Town's hopes of any cup glory were shattered as Mangotsfield scored two late goals to level the game before winning on penalties, writes Sebastian Parker.

Both sides were very nervous in the opening exchanges of the game, which was no surprise with a place in the final up for grabs.

James Harmer was first to test Mangotsfield goalkeeper Kevin Sawyer, but his long range effort was saved with ease.

Yate found the breakthrough on 31 minutes through leading goalscorer Lewis Haldane.

A kick outfield from Martin Horsell found its way over the Mangotsfield defence and set Haldane through on goal. He finished expertly, chipping the ball over the onrushing Sawyer.

Yate found themselves two goals up four minutes before the break after a great team goal. Jordan Ricketts played a great one-two with Harmer before firing the ball low and hard beating, Sawyer at his front post.

Yate came out a different side after the break and invited the pressure onto themselves but Billy Fletcher should have put the game to bed. He rose highest at the back post from a corner only to head his shot wide of the back post.

Mangotsfield made it a very nervy last seven minutes for Yate when Aron Robbins' free kick near the corner flag went straight in.

With virtually the last kick of the game, Mangotsfield equalised after Yate player-manager Rob Cousins gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box.

Robbins' effort was saved well by Horsell but Lewis Powell was there to fire in the rebound and send the tie to penalties.

With no extra-time the game went straight to a shootout.

Although Jake Cox scored Yate's first penalty, Mitch Tippins and Jake Jackson missed, while Shaun Lamb, Robbins, Neil Arndale and Powell fired in to send Mangotsfield through.

Yate Town: Horsell, Cox (c), Fletcher, Chandler, Clifford, Harmer, Tippins, Abrahams (Staley 60), Ricketts, Haldane (Cousins 88), Rogers (Jackson 45).

Sub's Not Used: Meaker, Bryant.