Footballers reach ISFA Cup final
Bradfield are set to face Repton School in the Boodles ISFA Cup final after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Millfield School in their semi-final.
Finishing 0-0 after full time and extra time, it took a penalty save from goalkeeper Quinn (H) to take Bradfield through to the final after the shootout finished 5-3.
The first half was a cautious affair as both teams slowly felt their way into the game. Bradfield struggled to get their passing game going despite boisterous support from the home crowd. Millfield did not make it easy though as they tried to win every second ball and looked threatening with direct balls played down the lines. Hearts were in Bradfield mouths at one point as a Millfield counterattack led to a cross from the right with the header bouncing off the upright to safety.
The second half had far more action as Bradfield started very strongly, creating three clear-cut chances in the first ten minutes. As the teams began to tire, the game became stretched with both teams looking to hit each other on the counterattack. Extra time could still not separate the teams, though Millfield came close again with a direct free kick that hit the woodwork.
Bradfield were indebted to goalkeeper Quinn, who after making a number of crucial saves in normal time, got down quickly to his left to save Millfield’s first penalty in the shootout. Bradfield’s penalty practice beforehand paid off as they stuck away all of their penalties, sending them to the final for the second time in three years.
It has been an impressive cup run by the First XI who have scored 18 goals on their way to the final against KES Witley, Brighton College, Wellington College and Highgate School. The Third Round win after extra time away at Wellington was a particular highlight.
Bradfield will play Repton School in the final who won their semi-final 1-0 against Eton College. Neither team has won the ISFA Cup before, guaranteeing a new name on the trophy.
The final will be played at Milton Keynes’s Stadium MK on Monday 5 March at 7pm.
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