IT was cup final heartbreak for Wildern, who came from behind three times before losing the Hampshire Schools FA Charlie Mortimer Under-16 Trophy to Horndean Technical College in a dramatic penalty shoot out at Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium.
A rip-roaring final saw Wildern equalise in each half to cancel out Horndean’s leads, force extra-time at 2-2.
The two exhausted sides drew 3-3 before Wildern hit the upright with their third penalty to lose the shoot-out 5-4, writes Mike Vimpany.
A fine solo goal by Will Webb, who plays in Hampshire’s U16 county side, gave Horndean the lead, which Ollie Watson cancelled out just before half-time after a shot by Lewis Atkins had been blocked.
Max Brans restored Horndean’s lead, before Luke Pardoe volleyed Wildern level again.
David Rutter looked to have won it for Horndean during the first half of extra-time, but with stoppage time looming Wildern’s James Cable made it 3-3 with a low shot which cannoned in off a defender’s boot. Horndean then converted all their penalties.
l Wildern face Oasis Mayfield in the Southampton Schools U16 Cup final at Eastleigh today (4.30pm).
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