Ross Juniors welcomed Casuals to the Sports Centre as they met for the second time in a row, but this week Juniors had key players missing. These included team captain Sam Loftus, his brother Ted, right back Matt Hall, and 20 plus goal scorer Luke Gray. They were glad to see Harry Hall and Luke Mayo back and there was also a start for debutant Damon Beaumont.

On the quarter hour mark the first chance arose when a quick throw from Chris Davies found Ben Hall, who laid it back to the thrower. He then expertly crossed the ball to the back post and Andy Francis came running in to head the ball superbly past the keeper to open the scoring.

Ten minutes later Chris Davies took a corner which found the head of stand-in captain Tom Burford, but his effort was kept out by Casual's keeper. Casuals had their first chance of the game when a cross on the right nearly found their attacker but an outstretched leg from Liam Davies kept out his opponent.

Ten minutes before the interval Alex Goode was brought into the action for the first time when he palmed away an effort from 30 yards and somehow got up to block the rebound. Half time 1-0 to the Juniors.

The second half began and both sides cancelled each other out, with Ross unable to play their fluent football which we have seen all season.

Beaumont was looking sharp and looks to have started a good partnering relationship with fellow forward Chris Davies. The unusual back four of George S James, Liam Davies, Tom Burford and Rob McAfee gelled together well and were able to shut out any attack from Casuals.

With the game looking to finish one nil to Ross, the home side began to relax and there was more pressure from the visiting team. With a minute remaining a Casual's corner found the head of their captain who nodded it past Alex Goode.

In extra time substitute Joe Loftus thought he had snatched the victory when his 20 yard effort was heading towards the top corner but unbelievably the goalkeeper clawed it away. With the game still at 1-1, the match went to a penalty shoot-out.

Damon Beaumont stepped up, from what looked like the half way line, to place to ball into the right hand corner. Casual's replied with a goal of their own.

Matt Davies stepped up for Ross, he again placed the ball into the corner very well. Alex Goode then stopped Casual's ball going in. Advantage Ross.

For a full report see this week's Gazette.