Reepham 2, Caister United 3CAISTER travelled to Reepham for their semi-final match in the Cyril Ballyn Trophy.This match epitomised Caister's fighting spirit, and their second-half performance warranted this victory.

Reepham 2, Caister United 3

CAISTER travelled to Reepham for their semi-final match in the Cyril Ballyn Trophy.

This match epitomised Caister's fighting spirit, and their second-half performance warranted this victory. The final is to be played at Wroxham on Monday, May 5, ko 11am.

Even though Caister started slowly they had the first real chance of the match. Shellard got behind the defence and his cross was well met by Snowling, but his shot was saved by the Robins' keeper.

Reepham then got a grip on the game and they started to cause Caister all sorts of problems.

It was no real surprise when after 20 minutes they took the lead.

Twice Caister had a chance to clear the ball but they failed to take those chances and eventually it was played into the box and the home forward gratefully snapped up the chance.

Reepham had the majority of possession and when Caister did get the ball their passing was sloppy and they continuously gave possession away.

One minute to half-time, a long ball from Reepham's defence was misjudged by the Caister defence and again the home forward took advantage to beat Beales in the Caister goal. At half-time it was 2-0 to Reepham.

Caister used the half-time break to rally themselves. Holdsworth came on for Crawley, who had to come off with a hamstring injury, and this added pace and bite up front.

Then Caister made a tactical substitution, bringing on Bennett for Mannall and changing the formation to 3-5-2. Caister now started to get back into the match.

Crane had two good shots well saved by the home keeper and Holdsworth thought he had scored with a close-range header. As much as Caister tried they struggled to break down a stubborn home defence.

Then, with seven minutes left, Caister were thrown a lifeline.

The home keeper, under pressure from Shellard, dropped the ball at the player's feet and he smartly prodded it home.

Caister piled on the pressure and their perseverance paid off one minute from time, Johnston was the scorer, turning the ball into the goal from a corner.

The score after 90 minutes was 2-2 and the match went into extra time.

Caister really had the advantage and from the start were pegging Reepham back. Five minutes into extra time a Reepham defender handled the ball in the box and Caister were awarded a penalty. Bennett stepped up to take it and made no mistake from the spot.

Reepham pushed everybody forward for the last few minutes to try and get an equaliser but Caister held firm.

Tomorrow, Caister entertain Anglian Windows in the league and hope to maintain their promotion push. Kick-off 2.30, meet 1.15.

Call-offs Paul 07966178074 or Scott 07742823252.