Swinton Brookfield 1 Brampton Ellis 2 (aet)
DRAMA, tension, emotion and a snow blizzard – the Totty Cup put it all into the melting pot for a rip-roaring semi-final on Tuesday.
Brampton Ellis came from behind to snatch victory with a golden goal in the second period of extra-time to break the hearts of Swinton Brookfield who had courageously defended their slender lead.
Jory Bannister hooked home a corner in the second, five-minute period of extra-time, to spark scenes of jubilation for Brampton and heartbreak for Brookfield, who had taken the lead through a cracking goal from Curtis Wilkinson, only for Archie Ogden to tap home an equaliser two minutes from time.
Swinton started with a higher tempo and took the lead on five minutes when Curtis Wilkinson beat two players on the corner of the penalty area and lashed a terrific shot across the face of Ellis goalkeeper Ben Haywood.
Adam Gwillen created two chances to equalise for Brampton, the first on 10 minutes when he controlled a long ball on the chest, before turning and volleying narrowly over the bar.
Curtis Wilkinson and Robbie Cotton both went close to doubling the lead before half-time but both shot wide.
A driving snow blizzard signalled the start of the second half, and with the elements in their face, Brookfield were forced on to the back foot.
Ryan Smith in the Brookfield goal was kept busy and made some excellent saves to deny Jordan Watson, while defender Alex Wilkinson put in a commanding defensive performance.
The Swinton school almost put the game beyond doubt 10 minutes from time, when Cotton’s speculative volley through a crowd of players hit the inside of the post and was cleared to safety.
With time running out, Brampton forced one last attack.
A series of headers set up a crossing chance for Watson whose centre was turned in by Archie Ogden.
Brookfield failed to capitalise on the blizzard at their backs in the first extra period and in the second half, Ellis struck the winner.
Bannister met a right-wing corner with a side-foot volley which curled beyond the unlucky Smith.
Man of the Match – Alex Wilkinson (Brookfield).
Dearne Highgate and Rawmarsh Monkwood contest the second semi-final with the losers going into the Barlow Salmons’ Shield final.
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