6th January 2024

AFC North Leatherhead 2-2 (4-2 pens) Motspur Park

A dramatic match in Leatherhead saw Motspur Park’s League Cup journey come to a cruel end in a 2-2 (4-2 on penalties) defeat.

Zak Belcher’s early wonder strike, a right-footed rocket into the top corner, put Motspur Park 1-0 up. AFC North Leatherhead fought back and earned themselves a controversial penalty late into the first half, after the referee overruled a clear offside. The penalty was remarkably saved and Motspur Park extended their lead a few minutes later via a Benabid Hocine’s towering header. Motspur Park looked in complete control.

However, the script flipped dramatically in the second half. Two sucker punches from the hosts, one a scrappy effort, the other a well worked free kick, rocked Motspur Park. Despite dominating possession, the visitors lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, their frustration reaching fever pitch as chances went begging.

Penalty drama followed: two golden opportunities squandered by Motspur Park. In contrast, Leatherhead held their nerve from the spot, converting all four.

AFC North Leatherhead progress to the semi-finals, where they will face either Division 2 or Division 1 opposition.

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