The JW Hunt Cup semi-final at AFC Wulfrainians saw Lichfield City meet OJM Black Country and City came away with a convincing win to send them to Molineux.
Lichfield opened the scoring through a Joe Haines header at the back post. Great work by Kyle Baxter down the left to create space and find the full-back.
City were two infront not long after, Jack Edwards getting to the by-line to send a cross in. The ball across was blocked by an arm and a penalty was given.
Dan Lomas smashed the penalty into the bottom corner. Expertly taken.
Captain Kyle Patterson made sure of a place in the final late into the second half, nicking the ball away from the OJM defence, taking his time and slotting past the keeper to make it 3-0.
The semi-final started slowly, the first chance falling to Edwards. He tip-toed through the OJM defence and got his shot off but deflected wide.
The next chance also fell the way of City, Lewi Burnside forcing his way through, juggling a ball off his head, shoulder, and knee in the process. He poked a shot toward goal but sent it narrowly wide of the far post.
OJM had a period of possession in the half resulting in chances for themselves.
The biggest chance of the game fell for OJM, through Green, who went through on goal, rounded James Beeson 30 yards out, and had to score. Leighton McMenemy got back and made a top tackle to keep the scores level.
Savare also had a huge chance for Black Country. Meese headed a deep free-kick back across the goal, the centre-back’s volley flies well over Beeson’s goal.
The game took a turn as Lichfield took the lead. Baxter showing quality and composure. He picked up the ball and drove out wide. His cross found Haines, johnny-on-the-spot, to head in at the back post.
The lead was doubled just minutes later. This time it was Edwards driving towards the by-line. His cross was blocked by an OJM arm, and the referee had no doubts but to give a penalty.
Lomas stepped up and smashed it into the bottom corner. Perfect Penalty.
Lichfield carried the two-goal lead into the break and came out for the second half attacking as they had at the end of the first.
Edwards had an excellent evening, this time chasing down a lost cause and keeping the ball in play. He laid the ball back for Haines to swing one into the box. Lomas met it on the volley and smashed the ball off the upright and away. So close to making it three.
Savare had another chance as he did in the first. This time getting to the by-line and looking to catch Beeson out at the near post. His low effort was well saved by the City keeper.
The all-important third goal came just minutes later, captain Patterson securing a place at Molineux.
The all-action midfielder picked the Black Country defence to go through on goal. He took his time and rolled the ball past a helpless Hopkins.
Game, set and match for City but it didn’t stop them pushing forward. Substitute Liam Kirton turning on the ball and smashing it goalward. A fierce effort just wide of the goal.
A professional performance from City who took their chances when they came to book themselves a place in the final.
A final at Molineux against Tividale to decide the winner of the JW Hunt Cup
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