In-form Louth Town book last eight place on spot kicks
Louth Town reached the UCL Cup Quarter-Finals with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over visiting Clifton All Whites on Saturday.
The UCL Division One rivals failed to produce a goal over the 90 minutes, but the White Wolves prevailed 4-2 on spot kicks to earn an away tie at Premier Division South Daventry Town.
“Being our first season in the UCL it's all a bit unknown, so we are absolutely delighted to get into the quarter-finals,” said boss Carl Martin. “It wasn't a classic game with strong winds and rain lashing down.
“But we were really good in possession in the first half and had two or three really good chances. So we were disappointed at half-time as we could have been 2-0 up.
“The second half was then a damp squib as the two sides cancelled each other out and we ended up with the lottery of penalties.
“Fair play to the lads who stepped up and scored, and we were delighted our young keeper Stan Simons saved two.
“Our remit before the game was to get through and we achieved that. And another clean sheet was a bonus for us.
“But now we need to focus on the league and get some points on the board. After the two wins the week, winning breeds confidence as does keeping clean sheets.”
Freddie Walker and Bradley Coulam were jointly awarded Louth Man of the match for their displays at the back.
Saturday's win continued the feelgood factor at the club after the previous week saw Louth enjoy league and cup wins only to find themselves slipping into the Division One drop zone at the same time after a 1-0 win over Selston had backed up the midweek 3-0 Lincolnshire Trophy success at Crowle Colts.
Following a scheduled midweek trip to mid-table Harrowby United, Louth head for fellow strugglers Dronfield Town on Saturday.
Another big bonus for Louth this week was the return of two of their former players to bolster the squad.
Bailey Wright is back on a duel registration from Grimsby Borough while Theo Kitt-Bushell has returned on a full transfer after a short spell at Skegness Town.
“These are two lads in attacking positions who know the club well and I am over the moon to get them back,” said Martin.
“Bailey left about 16 months ago while Theo has only been gone seven or eight weeks but missed his mates and wanted to come back. He’s only young and has all the attributes to go on and have a really good career.”