HIGHGATE STUN VALLEY IN SENIOR CUP

Three goals in the last ten minutes sealed a remarkable turnaround for Highgate United to defeat Rugby Town 4-3 in the Birmingham Senior Cup.

By Craig Webb.

Photo: Martin Pulley

Midfielder Andy Gundelach rides a slide tackle during the first half at Butlin Road against Highgate.

Liam Florey's last-minute winner capped an amazing fightback from the Midland Alliance visitors to win in dramatic fashion after Rugby seemed to be comfortable at 3-0 up.

Freescoring Richard Wesley gave Rugby the lead just before the interval before goals from Seb Hamilton and substitute Luke Keen extended the lead with little more than fifteen minutes remaining.

However Highgate never gave up and were rewarded for their efforts and Town’s inability to finish off their opponents earlier in the game with four late goals.

With the tough league game against Marlow looming at the weekend Valley manager Martin Sockett rested a few players including Ben Steane, Paddy Connolly and Melvin Gourlay, meaning six changes including starts for Craig Goodbody, Nick Heath, Chris Charles, Chad Sheppard, Seb Hamilton and Warwick Alexander.

On a bitterly cold evening at Butlin Road, Rugby started the game pretty well, stroking the ball around well showing their superiority over Highgate.

The away side’s goalkeeper Shaun Hoccum was in inspired form the first half producing three shot stopping saves - two from Hamilton and a cracking free-kick effort from Sheppard.

As the game appeared to be heading to a goalless first half, up popped Richard Wesley to break the deadlock on 44 minutes.

After an excellent first half display, goalkeeper Hoccum inexplicably spilled the winger's shot which came after work from Goodbody.

Rugby doubled their lead just four minutes into the second half and looked to be cruising when Hamilton found space just inside the penalty area and rifled the ball home on the angle.

Moments later, Town conceded a penalty when the referee adjudged that a Highgate player had his shirt tugged in the area.

The decision seemed a little harsh, but despite a good effort from Craig Gasiewsk, home keeper Dave Clarke comfortably saved at mid height.

With Rugby looking good, their seemed to be a low key atmosphere inside the ground, and the fans were enjoying it even more when substitute and in-form striker Keen headed down into the net from Hamilton’s cross after 72 minutes.

But within a minute, Highgate got what the majority thought would be a consolation when straight from the kick off after Rugby’s goal, captain Scott Turner turned a shot past Clarke after good work down the right.

The comeback was now on and with just ten minutes left, they reduced the deficit further when Ian Mitchell seemingly in no danger from midway through the half, hit a cracking shot which left Clarke stranded and rooted to the spot.

With Highgate growing in confidence and Rugby looking tetchy in defence, perhaps there was no surprise when they equalised on 88 minutes.

Again there seemed to be no threat until Gasiewsk found space from 25 yards and he once again sent Clarke's net bulging from range.

Just as everyone realised extra time was looming, Highgate finished a remarkable comeback when deep in injury time super sub Liam Florey squeezed through a shot from a tight angle.

Just moments before the dramatic finale Wesley had a chance to win it for Rugby but his shot hit the post.

A disappointing end result for Rugby, but hats off to Highgate for an amazing turnaround.

Valley Line-up: Clarke; Goodbody (Fagan), Phipps-Hall, Charles, Preston; Heath, Wesley, Gundelach (Connolly), Sheppard; Alexander (Keen), Hamilton. Subs not used: Gourlay, Moran. Booked: None. Sent Off: None.