Swans lose third successive penalty shootout, exiting cup at hands of Blidworth
The Swans exited the Buckingham Insurance Cup at the quarter-final stage, going out at the hands of Blidworth Welfare.
After the game finished 1-1, the Swans lost on spot-kicks, and have now ended up on the wrong end of each of their last three shootouts.
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Hide AdOwen was hoping to play a settled side. But three senior players were missing for various reasons so the squad had to be rotated.
That said the Swans looked the stronger side throughout and were unfortunate not to progress.
The first half saw the Swans take control of possession, whilst creating chances from free play and set pieces.
A Chris Turner corner was to be utilised for the game’s opening goal, with Ash Buxton lashing the ball home inside the six yard box.
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Hide AdAs time ticked on, more chances were to go begging with Gary Doncaster in the Blidworth goal being called into action on numerous occasions.
A Swanwick backline of Wall, Smith, Whitmore and Gregory were always going to be hard to break down.
With Adam Jablonski showing excellent distribution skills, the Swanwick defensive outfit seemed confident of a clean sheet.
The second half soon became a heated affair, with the introduction of Blidworth’s Craig Buchanon, who was booked for his first challenge. Buchanon’s desire and energy seemed to rally the hosts and chances were soon to follow.
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Hide AdJablonski was more than a match for any Blidworth attempt and the Swans management must have been quietly confident of sealing a victory.
With ten minutes remaining on the clock, Swans substitute Shane Buckerfield was adjudged to have brought down Blidworth’s striker Buchanon in the box, giving the referee little option but to award a spot kick.
The resulting penalty was calmly converted by Jordan Harris.
Extra-time was a disappointing affair, with neither side dominating play nor creating any opportunities of any note.
Therefore it went down to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out which went the way of Blidworth.
Saturday will see the Swans host local rivals and table toppers, Selston at 2pm.