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Quilligans took on unbeaten Hoghton FC from the LEP Preston League in the last 32 of the LFA Sunday Trophy in Leyland today. Both strikers Sugden and Catlow were missing due to pulled hamstrings, and Short pulled out with a torn sock. Quilligans started brightlythen Robbie Boal hit a 25 yarder just over the Hoghton bar.
Hoghton's main danger was Bamber Bridge man Ince on the left, his quick feet and excellent left foot being a constant threat and Bracewell soon found his way in to the ref's notebook for bringing down the impish winger.
The ref generally decided we had come down to watch him, not only making a number of strange decisions, but seemingly intent on cautioning any player (or spectator) who questioned his authority, par for the course some would say in the Lancashire recently.
Half-time 0-0
After the break Quilligans brought on star defender Thompson to replace Bracewell who was clearly struggling with a back injury. Hoghton took the lead against the run of play when the ball richocheted kindly for their striker to fire past Clowes goal.
Quilligans then piled on the pressure for an equaliser with Broadbent firing wide with the goal gaping then Rowe and Gorrie transpiring to get in each other's way with the goal at their mercy. Finally with four minutes to go Cook was on hand to lash in an equaliser following a corner to take the game in to extra time.
Full-time 1-1
Extra time then had its moments, the referee proving he was equally poor for both sides by sending off a Hoghton player, managing to book four players for dissent and also sending off Quilligans skipper Robbie Boal for a petulant kick on a Hoghton player. With penalties looming Phil Iaonnou recieved the ball in the Hoghton box and drew the keeper before sending his shot in to the far corner, sparking mass celebrations by the Quilligans players and fans alike.
Following similar recent Quilligans' performances, not a classic as Quilligans continue to struggle to hit top form. However, good defensive work and the bonus of Phil Thompson's return to action mean Quilligans get to the business end of this competition, with a home tie in December and a chance to reach the quarter final for the third year running.
Final score 1-2
Scorers
Cook 86, Ioannou 114
Team
Clowes, Brooks, Ioannou, Bracewell, Roberts, Swallow, Gorrie, Boal, Broadbent, Cook, Rowe
Substitutes
Thompson, Pearson, West, Moore
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