This match pretty much epitomised the Reds season as they squandered more than enough chances to see off Eagles in normal time. The tie went to penalties though as a largely scrappy affair ended in stalemate. The shootout featured no fewer than 20 kicks before Eagles keeper Dan Goad eventually converted to send his side through.

Manager Scott Grant had a clean bill of health for this match with only Tom Oram suspended from his normal matchday squad. He named an unchanged starting XI from the one that drew 2-2 with Chesham United Reserves last time out.

Baldock started the game the better of the two sides with a couple of efforts at goal, including one from Luke Hennessey, who burst in behind the Eagles defence only to lift the ball just clear of the cross bar with Eagles keeper Goad bearing down on him.

The home side had largely been in the ascendency for much of the first half and their efforts were rewarded with an opening goal on 34 minutes. An inswinging free-kick from the Baldock right by Jack Gregson proved too good for Goad as the ball found its way into the roof of the net.

Lee Harman wasted a golden opportunity to double the Reds lead when he was put through one-on-one, but he was only able to drive off target. Shortly after, Harman was made to rue that missed chance when Eagles levelled with their first real meaningful sighter of Stillwell’s goal.

Town failed to win the initial header from a long Goad goal-kick and a nudge on Josh Furness saw the ball diverted into the path of the evergreen John Coley, who neatly steered the ball beyond the onrushing Stillwell. Eagles finished the half strongly and Grant would have been pleased to regroup his players at the interval.

Early in the second half, they had another good opportunity to restore their advantage. A decent move saw Lee Harman burst down the right and deliver a teasing low cross. Jack Gregson looked odds on to tap home, but somehow his finish flew wide of the target.

Gregson then attempted to chip Goad when played in, but the Eagles keeper was equal to it. The remainder of the second half was scrappy as both sides tired. The visitors very nearly won it when a speculative effort from one of their substitutes came back off the crossbar, but the score remained 1-1 and the tie went into extra-time.

The first period of extra-time was low on chances. A Carl Williams free-kick going just over was the only real effort of note. Lee Harman had a wonderful chance in the second period, but he could only head straight at Goad.

So the tie went to penalties. Ian Morrison, Harman and Jack Gregson were on target for Baldock as all of the first six penalties were converted. However, Goad saved Anthony Bowskill’s kick before Eagles went 4-3 in front. Josh Furness held his nerve to make it 4-4 leaving Carl Williams the opportunity to win it. Stillwell saved well though to keep Town in it. Nathan Aulsberry and Lewis Barker were on target in sudden death, but again Eagles held their nerve to level at 6-6. Tame spot kicks from Craig Skelton and Stillwell himself again put Town on the brink, but Stillwell made a couple of outstanding saves.

However, when Michael Payne had his penalty saved, Eagles keeper Dan Goad slotted home to finally send his side into the Final where they will take on fellow County League side Belstone, who are the current holders.

Disappointment then for the Reds as their Cup interests are ended for another season, but with sixteen league games still to go, there are plenty of points on offer to try and push up the table in the closing weeks of the campaign.

(Photo by Harry Hubbard)

Further photos from the match and a report by Damion Roberts at The Comet can be found here.