Romans on course for league and cup double

ALCESTER Town are on target for a league and cup double after booking their place in the final of the Herefordshire Charity Bowl.

The Romans, who are ten points clear at the top of the Herefordshire Senior League, beat Hereford Pegasus Development on penalties on Monday after twice coming from behind to draw 3-3.

Keeper Ryan Young starred in the shootout but had to share the limelight with striker Adam Bourn whose late equaliser took the game to penalties where he also scored the winning spot kick.

Boss Aaron Blackwood said: “We played the development side earlier in the season and although the scoreline was 6-1, they showed a great account of themselves and the score was harsh on them.

“They are a good outfit and again caused us problems, going two goals up to make it a difficult evening. They were two frustrating goals for us to concede with two individual errors but credit to the lads who showed character to get us back on level terms just before half-time.

“They were then, fortuitously in my opinion, awarded a penalty and the lad dispatched it well. We’ve made a couple of changes late on to try and get us back into the game and it worked with Adam Bourn making it 3-3 with about two minutes to play. It was an interesting evening to say the least.

“Ryan has then saved all three penalties. He is an experienced keeper who has played at all levels including Racing Club Warwick, Pershore Town and Worcester Raiders.

“Lewis Crockford had been in goal all season but when we played away at Kington three or four weeks ago, he dislocated his arm which finished his season. Ryan has come in to see out the remainder of the season alongside another experienced keeper, Niall Maher.”

Chris Dyson and skipper Jake Wicketts also scored from the spot with the latter also scoring twice during the game.

Alcester will now play Kington Town in the final at the start of May after the Herefordshire side came from behind to beat New Dales Vale 3-2.