Late Lichfield leveller leads to penalties success - Match report: NTFC 1 - Lichfield City 1 (3-4 on pens)

The game kicked off under cold conditions, with both teams aiming to assert early dominance. Here’s how the action unfolded:

First Half:

Minutes into the game, Lichfield won an earlydangerous free kick, but Nuneaton’s goalkeeper Matt Hill made a comfortable save to deny an early opening goal.

Nuneaton’s first chance came through James Harrison as he pounced on a loose ball following a foul on Johnson, but a strong defensive block by Lichfield kept the score level.

Inside the opening fifteen minutes, Lichfield’s Sheasby was booked for a cynical drag-back on Carsley, demonstrating the competitive intensity of the encounter.

Lichfield continued to dominate the early stages, but Nuneaton grew into the game getting more time on the ball.

The half hour mark saw drama on both ends saw Lichfield’s long throw hit the post. On the counter, Johnson set up Hayden for Nuneaton, but his shot also struck the post and was cleared.

Recci’s last-ditch challenge for Nuneaton thwarted a promising Lichfield attack, ensuring the first half ended goalless.

Half Time 0-0

Second Half:

A change at half time for the home side saw James Spruce replace James Harrison.

The early goings of the second half closely mirrored that of the first 45 with Lichfield having the opening chance. Taylor tested Hill with a volley, but the Nuneaton keeper was equal to it with a solid save.

Minutes after the hour mark, Kirton attempted a shot for Lichfield, but it was once again comfortably saved by Hill.

The home side would then advance up the pitch before Cody Mullan won a throw-in. The throw was taken quickly and found the feet of Louis Baker who crossed the ball into the box to find Spruce who bundled the ball home at the back post.

With just ten minutes left on the clock, Loyiso Recci continued his dominance in the Town defence with a last ditch tackle preventing a tap-in goal for the Midland Football League Premier outfit.

It was moments later however that the visitors would get their equaliser as Luke Childs headed into the net.

Full Time - 1-1

In order to decide the winner of the tie, the game went straight to penalties.

Town went first

Recci ❌

Lomas ✅

Baker ✅

Kirkon ❌

Carsley ✅

Mansell ✅

Spruce ❌

Wilcock ✅

Hayden ✅

Beeson ✅

Litchfield win 4-3 on penalties to advance to the 4th round.

Nuneaton Town Team

1. Matthew Hill
2. ⁠Trevor Edwards
3. ⁠Callum Carsley
4. ⁠Corey Currithers (C)
5. ⁠Dominic Perkins
6. ⁠Loyiso Recci
10. Cody Mullan (Callum Thorpe 71’)
15. James Harrison (James Spruce 45’)
16. Louis Baker
17. ⁠Lewis Hayden
20. Danico Johnson (Declan Somel 89’)

Unused Subs:
Justin Marsden
Aaron Williams

Attendance: 251
Money for Back to Nuneaton: £754