Mickleover RBL Reserves victorious in the Junior Cup South Final against Inter Belper. After the two sides drew level after 90 minutes, a tense penalty shootout was the decider.

Ilkeston Town’s New Manor Ground hosted the Derbyshire Junior Cup South Final 2022/23, sponsored by Cawarden. 267 were in attendance for the fixture.

Just five minutes into the game, Inter Belper goalkeeper Sol Swarvett went into the book for an impeding challenge outside the box.

The windy and wet conditions would play a huge role in the game, and nearly made a difference after 12 minutes when Alans Voskresenkis hit the bar directly from a corner for Mickleover RBL Reserves.

Inter’s Ziggy Roddis saw a low driven effort from 25 yards saved by the goalkeeper after 20 minutes.

Voskresenskis was at it again five minutes before the break, as he skilfully beat the defender and ran through on goal, forcing a save with his shot.

The back-and-forth pattern of the game continued as, after 44 minutes, Inter had a great chance to go in front after RBL failed to clear the ball effectively out of their box, leading to a real goal-mouth scramble. Fortunately for RBL, their blushes were spared.

The sides went in at half-time level and goalless.

Mickleover RBL Reserves worked their magic from corners yet again in the early stages of the second half. They almost scored directly from the corner, forcing a save. The following corner they went even closer, this time hitting the bar directly from the kick!

RBL continued to push on in the second half , with good chances falling the way of Appiah-Kubi and Hassle, who couldn’t convert.

In the 92^nd minute, Inter Belper had the final chance of the game, after being awarded a freekick on the very edge of the RBL box. The effort was saved and held, meaning the game finished 0-0 and a penalty shootout was to follow.

RBL and Inter both scored their first penalties. After two penalties, Inter took the lead as Mintos’ effort for RBL was saved. Their lead didn’t lost long as, Inter’s goalkeeper Swarvett stepped up to take their third penalty. His effort flew over the bar! Meaning both sides scored two and missed one each, after three spot kicks taken.

Four successful spot kicks later, the score was 4-4 after five spot kicks taken. RBL stepped up for spot kick six and scored. With the suspense building, Allsopp stepped up for Inter Belper and missed! Final score after pens: Inter Belper 4-5 Mickleover RBL Reserves

Mickleover RBL Reserves are 2022/23 Derbyshire Junior Cup South winners!

The players, coaches and spectators celebrated as the trophy presentation, presented by William Crooks, Cawarden Managing Director, saw them lift the cup.

Photo credits – Alexandra Johnson (alexandrajohnsonphotography.co.uk)