The Yachtsmen dominated the early part of the game but spurned chances to score, and it was against the run of play that the home side took the lead at around the half hour mark. Momentum shifted and Wroxham came under pressure as the Swifts looked to add to the goal tally.

At the start of the second half Wroxham again went on the front foot and forced a series of corners. On the hour mark manager Jordan Southgate made his first substitution replacing Tom Pipe with Asa McGeachy. The switch brought immediate results with McGeachy scoring from an acute angle. The Heybridge keeper barely moved as McGeachy’s shot flew into the home team’s net.

The final segment of the game was end to end. Both keeper’s did well to deny goal scoring opportunities, and so the tie would be decided by a penalty shoot out.

Remarkably after 4 spot kicks the score line remained 0-0. In the Wroxham goal , Tom Coombe had saved both of Swifts first two spot kicks. After five penalties the score line stood at 3-3. Fortunately the three Wroxham substitutes, McGeachy,Sparrow and Simmons all converted theirs and the score stood at 6-6.
Heybridge captain skyed his penalty, so with their ninth penalty Wroxham had the opportunity to seal the win.

Keeper Tom Coombe stepped forward and sent his spot kick hard,low to the keeper’s left. The Heybridge keeper guessed correctly but the power in the shot ensured that his dive was in vain. Wroxham celebrated their win, with Tom Coombe very much the hero.

As a result the Yachtsmen sail on , when once again they will have travel away from home, this time to the nomadic, Enfield FC, who currently ground share with Hertford Town.

As yet no details have been confirmed for the date & time of the game which should be played on or around September 6th.

Photo: Tom Coombe, penalty shoot out hero