Old Batelians reach final in bizarre style

Batelians’ cup hopes looked to have ended in the first round when they lost to Morley Town.

However, in bizarre circumstances, Morley and another team were both found to have played ineligible players in subsequent rounds.

Batelians were put straight into the semi-final, where they met St Bedes Thirds in a dramatic clash last Saturday.

Mike Sanderson converted an early penalty to put Batelians ahead but St Bedes hit back to equalise.

Sanderson scored a second goal, before being substituted with 20 minutes to go, as he had tickets for the Merseyside derby.

Bedes subsequently equalised, sending the tie into extra-time, and the visitors then took a 3-2 lead in the first period.

It appeared Batelians were heading out of the cup for a second time but in stoppage time at the end of 120 minutes they were awarded a second penalty and Jonathan Shorey held his nerve to convert.

There was more drama in the shoot-out as both sides missed their first spot kicks and it remained level after the first five penalties each, as the tie went to a dramatic sudden death.

The tie was finally settled when Bedes missed their seventh spot kick and Craig Marshall stepped up to score and send Batelians through to the final.