United exit cup in penalty shoot out

United put on a much improved performance against Step 5 Milton Keynes Irish only to suffer the agony of exiting the Berks & Bucks Senior cup in a sudden death penalty shoot-out after twice having the opportunity to win on penalties.

An even first half ended goalless, the visitors took the lead five minutes into the second half when a long cross from their left wing found Dom Lawless unmarked with time to control the ball and fire into the far side netting past Ethan Giles. An incident immediately after the goal saw United’s centre back Mark Williams dismissed before the match restarted.

Playing with ten men, United acquitted themselves well and were deserving of the equaliser thirteen minutes later when Caleb Lucas persistency saw him find Ciaran Carolan unmarked in the penalty area to fire home past Jack Taylor.

Milton Keynes Irish took the first penalty in a shoot out that saw Woodley’s Giles make three saves. However, his performance was not enough with the visitors edging home 6-5 on penalty kicks.

Giles, Birkett, Carmichael, Goddard, Richardson, Williams, Smith (Brandao), Reid (Monterio), Carolan, Anderson, Lucas, subs not used Parker