Wotton-under-Edge U18s 2 Ashmoor 3

WOTTON-Under-Edge's progress in the England Hockey Under-18s Plate was halted by a last-minute goal from South Devon side Ashmoor.

As the sun set over New Road, so the sporting gods called time on a great run to the last 16 of this competition despite Wotton being two goals up inside the first seven minutes.

It was a cruel twist to a thrilling contest that had the Wotton parent army out in full voice on a crisp afternoon under the Edge.

Wotton got off to a dream start after two minutes when Ben Butter waved his way down the right wing, flicked the ball left into the D and Hayden Brewer set up Dan Jones.

And when captain Benjy Wells made it 2-0 in the seventh minute with his second attempt from Michael Buist's short corner and Jones’ lay-off, it looked like it would be Wotton’s day.

Manager Mark Patteson rotated Wotton’s squad well and all 15 deserve credit for their efforts after doubling up from games the day before.

With ever vocal keeper Charlie Thomas marshalling the team, the back line of Wells, Henry Patteson, Ben Eames, Seb Culpepper and Kieran Latimer provided a solid platform to release Jones, Butter, Archie Cropper and Chris Barton.

Pat Carr and David Holt's terrier-like chasing put Ashmoor under pressure and Luke Messer hit the post after a weaving run across goal.

The visitors pulled a goal back before half-time and then equalised with 10 minutes to go after a goalmouth scramble.

Wotton were not finished when Buist won a penalty flick after forcing a stick tackle, but he pushed the ball wide from the spot.

And as the game looked like it would indeed be decided by a team shoot-out, Ashmoor scored from another melee inside the D.

Wotton-Under-Edge Under-18s team: Chris Barton, Hayden Brewer, Mike Buist, Ben Butter, Pat Carr, Archie Cropper, Seb Culpepper, Ben Eames, Dave Holt, Dan Jones, Kieran Latimer, Luke Messer, Henry Patteson, Charlie Thomas, Benjy Wells (capt).