The Gorell Barnes cup was up next and offered Woodford United a break from the league in the form of a mid-week fixture under the lights in the home of Daventry Town FC.

Blisworth were the opponent and as was mentioned before the game, are currently unbeaten and top of the league. It was going to be a tough game for the Woodford first team.

The first 15 minutes for Woodford showed a real intent to start the game well. A number of good chances created but it was Blisworth who struck first after a slight indecision from Joe Haynes in goal, the onrushing striker managing to get in front of the clearance and the ball found its way into the back of the net.

Just under 10 minutes later, Harry Walters levelled the score, finding the bottom corner from the edge of the area and it was from here that Woodford were able to find a bit of momentum in the first half.

A second goal came for Woodford and that man, Harry Walters who is in a fine run of goal scoring form managed to get on the end of a cross to complete a well worked counter attack in the 41st minute.

Then Paul Beevor after starting his first home game in 18 months after a serious knee injury announced himself with a 30 yard screamer, high into the top of the net.

3-1 at half time, it was expected that Blisworth would come out strongly in the second half to get themselves back into the game.

45 seconds it took for the first second-half goal to go in and it went the way of Blisworth. A one on one against Joe Haynes and the striker managed to find the corner of the net. A nightmare start to the second half for Woodford but it set up a cracker of a second half.

The next goal was always going to be the most important of the game. Blisworth took the chance and managed to level up the game at 3-3 after another slotted finish following a good piece of play in the Woodford final third.

Blisworth then took the momentum and got their noses in front with another calm finish in the box to make it 3-4 but it was Jayden Buckmaster who took the game to penalties, sliding the ball passed the oncoming keeper to equalise the game with four minutes left.

The game was to be decided on penalties, the harshest part of football for the players involved, especially after an 8 goal thriller.

5-4 to Blisworth sends them through to the next round of the competition. For Woodford, it allows the focus on the league and to see where these excellent performances can take the team.

Manager Kev Bunting said after the game "I'm proud of the boys tonight, Blisworth are a very good side and title challengers for a reason. For the team to be able to go ahead and match them over 90 minutes is something to be hugely positive about."

A huge thank you also to Daventry Town for hosting the game and for competing with the weather to put on a great game of football.

Next up for the first team is Corby Pegasus at home. More to follow.

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Woodford United Football Club

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