Penalty shootouts and a Sutton United draw shape Spartan South Midlands week
Two of the league's headline FA Vase ties went down to penalties this week. Ampthill Town needed a shootout to see off Cranfield United in their qualifying round meeting, the match finishing goalless after 90 minutes before Ampthill Town won 4-2 on spot kicks. Goalkeeper Mitchell Howe was named man of the match for saving two penalties in the shootout, while Cranfield United wished their conquerors well for the next round. The win came with an injury blow: Ampthill confirmed player Sonny Newbury-Barr was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured cheekbone, with the club thanking physio Siba Mguga and Cranfield's Amy for their assistance.
Ampthill Town have now been drawn at home to Dunstable Town in the first round, to be played on 10 October.
Irchester United enjoyed their own penalty success earlier in the competition, beating Oxhey Jets on spot kicks after Dylan McGinley equalised and Allen Dogbe scored the winning penalty, with goalkeeper Mitch saving twice in the shootout. The club marked the occasion with a personal note about JJ, back playing after cancer treatment, who scored in the shootout. Irchester now host Step 5 side Sutton United in the first round on 10 October. In the league, their unbeaten run continued as Mani Antwi's penalty secured a 1-0 win over Huntingdon Town.
For Huntingdon Town, the Vase brought a harder lesson. Their run ended with a 5-0 defeat at Wisbech Town, four goals down at half time before a much-improved second half in which goalkeeper Tim Jefferies was replaced by Liam Farrar. The club praised the reception from Wisbech Town supporters and wished them well in the next round. Huntingdon's week continued in cup football, losing 1-0 to Step 5 opposition Potton United in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy at Kiln Park, a game the club described as another performance to build on.
