Isthmian League Velocity Cup Quarter Finals, Tuesday January 14th
I popped over to New Lodge on Tuesday evening to take in a Isthmian League Velocity Cup Quarter Final between Premier Division high flyers Billericay Town and One South East top six side Sheppey United and with it only being a fiver to watch as well, this was very good value for this level, or any level in fact.
The hosts are enjoying a very good season at the sharp end of the Premier Division and are currently in second place and a point behind leaders Dover Athletic, who they did beat recently at The Crabble Ground down on the Kent coast, although they did fail to go top at the weekend after a disappointing loss at Horsham, however they now turned their attention to League Cup action and a semi final berth at stake.
The Blues run to the Quarters saw them net home wins over local rivals and One North Division outfit Basildon United 4-1 before they then saw off fellow Premier Division side Cheshunt 3-0, so a fairly comfortable route to this last eight tie, again they were at home, and now welcomed a Sheppey United side who are sitting one spot and five points off a play off spot in the South East Division.
Sheppey would no doubt put up a fight as well despite the hosts being favourites to progress to the last four, as after they knocked out fellow South East Division side Herne Bay on penalties, they defeated Margate, who are flying high in the South East Division, 4-2 at Hartsdown Park, and then in the last round humbled Premier Division Dartford, who are fourth and three points behind Billericay, 3-0 at home, setting up this Quarter Final at New Lodge.
The Blues then would have to be wary then, but just before the midway point of the first period the hosts got their noses in front when a lovely through ball from Ansu Janneh saw De-Carrey Sheriff in on goal, and he duly rounded keeper Aiden Prall before slotting the ball into the empty net and give the majority of the 227 in attendance something to cheer.
They should have been cheering more thereafter when The Blues had another one on one chance when Todd Miller got in on goal, but this time keeper Prall was able to save the effort, it was a great chance to double the hosts lead but it remained 1-0 with the game still in the balance although the hosts had certainly edged the opening forty five minutes.
Sheppey were certainly more threatening in the second period though and had openings to level the game, The Blues were just trying to keep as much as the ball as they could and did create chances too, the best one a cross seeing goal scorer Sheriff somehow head wide of an open net with keeper Prall stranded, but as the game entered it's final moments it looked as if it would drift to it's conclusion.
But, with the game in it's final minute of the ninety, drama ensued, as Janneh, who of course had assisted with the games only goal, saw the ball strike his hand just inside his own box as he attempted to bring the ball out of his box and after a few seconds thought the referee decided to point to the spot, much to the dismay of anyone connected with the hosts.
Whether it was meant or not who knows, but the referee deemed it deliberate and even booked Janneh for his troubles, which seemed a but harsh to me, but it handed Sheppey a golden chance to net a late leveller and potentially force a penalty shoot out (no extra time in this competition), however, Gil Carvalho saw his spot kick brilliant saved by hosts keeper Sam Donkin, with many of the home fans shouting 'Justice!!!' as they certainly did not think it was a penalty.
The Blues then nearly sealed the tie immediately after this but saw Prall beat away an effort from the hosts, and after six or so minutes of stoppage time, The Blues were thankful to hear the final whistle and claim a narrow win against the Kent side, taking their place in the Semi Finals as a result.
Full time Billericay Town 1 Sheppey United 0
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