After 120 minutes and a penalty shootout, FSA Pro won their National knockout last 16 game against a strong TNS side.
TNS started the stronger side and put FSA Pro under pressure early on with Josh Wormleighton returning to the side making an early important save from a corner. FSA Pro changed shape of the side to counter TNS’s start and after 24 minutes their improvement was rewarded with the opening goal of the game as Sam Carroll from the edge of the area looped a shot over the head of the TNS keeper who was unable to keep the shot out. TNS continued to put pressure on FSA Pro and deservedly equalised before half time after a ball in found a unmarked striker in the area to make it 1-1.
The second half started with a early goal from TNS after a great 20 yards finish curled into the far corner to take a 2-1 lead. FSA Pro reacted from the goal and responded with a dominant second half display. Joseph Opoku went close from range on a couple of occasions and Aaron Nuttall fired in a couple of crosses that went close to being turned in. FSA Pro had to wait until the final few seconds of the match when substitute Brodie Stewart clipped the ball into the top corner after pressure from the TNS defence to make it 2-2 and take the game into extra time.
Extra time continued to be played with FSA Pro on top but TNS took the lead again in the first half of extra time leading 3-2 with 15 minutes left to play. With only 8 minutes left, Will Warren equalised after a superb 20 yard finish curled into the corner, taking the game to penalties with both teams feeling the nerves. Hero of the penalty shootout on his return to the side was Goalkeeper Josh Wormleighton who produced 3 excellent saves to give FSA Pro a 3-1 win and progress to the next round.
FSA PRO Leicester will now take on Hartpury in the Quarter Finals of the Nationals. The game will be played at Aylestone Park FC on Wednesday 16th March.
Fulltime: TNS 3-3 FSA Pro Leicester
(FSA Pro Leicester win 1-3 on penalties)
Man of the Match: Josh Wormleighton