And Then There Were Four!
Date: 19 Dec 2008
There were more fingernails bitten than goals scored in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area semi-finals, as a night of high drama finally unearthed the competition’s final four teams.
Scunthorpe United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Luton Town and Rotherham United are all still dreaming of Wembley, after scraping into the area finals by the skin of their teeth.
All four clubs can claim to have their names etched on the trophy, as they all defied the odds to progress to the two legged finals.
Brighton stole the limelight in front of the Sky cameras as they ended Shrewsbury’s hopes in the competition, winning a nerve jangling penalty shoot-out at the ProStar Stadium.
Keeper John Sullivan was the hero, making a string of fine saves to keep his side in the tie, before he tamed the Shrews by saving Grant Holt’s crucial fifth penalty.
The big stopper admitted afterwards that he did not realise his spot kick was the decisive one.
He said: “I did not know it was the deciding penalty. That’s why I just stood there. If I had known I would probably have run to our supporters at the other end of the pitch but I was so focused that I did not realise.
“When I saw the lads shaking hands and running over, that’s when I knew. It was a great moment for me.”
Manager Micky Adams said: “Our goalkeeping coach looked at DVDs of penalties taken by the opposition and we knew Grant Holt always puts them that side. We tried to get a message on to John and it paid off.”
The Seagulls will now play the Football League’s bottom club Luton Town, who are giving their fans every reason to be cheerful thanks to a great Johnstone’s Paint Trophy cup run.
Claude Gnakpa was the hero for the Hatters, who may also believe that fate has their name on the famous piece of silverware.
The club enjoyed its finest hour 20 years ago at Wembley, when current manager Mick Harford starred in an amazing League Cup win against Arsenal.
A nostalgic return to the Home of Wembley is still not out of the question. Scunthorpe United may well be mirroring rivals Grimsby Town by treading another path from Lincolnshire to Wembley.
The Iron had to watch on last season as the Mariners enjoyed a day out in the capital, but maybe it is their turn to do likewise, after a last gasp winner against Tranmere Rovers.
Supersub Paul Hayes was the hero, who looked more like the Phantom of the Opera with a mask over half of his face.
The 'man in the mask' came off the bench to curl a free-kick into the path of John Johnson, who could only glance the ball into his own net as the Iron progressed to the final of the northern section, and a tie with Rotherham.
The 25-year-old has been out for two weeks with a fractured cheekbone, but returned with devastating effect, creating the winner just moments after coming on as a substitute.
And not to be outdone, Rotherham continued their remarkable love affair with the trophy, coming from behind to force Darlington into extra time and then winning on penalties.
Steven Cann was the Millers hero with two penalty saves, and he drew praise from Rotherham boss Mark Robins.
“All night his decision making was good. He made a couple of really good saves, and I am delighted for him.
“I was pleased we came out on top against a very impressive Darlington side and we can now look forward to a northern area final.”
Brighton will play Luton at the Withdean Stadium on the week commencing 19th January, with the return leg at Kenilworth Road on the week commencing 16th February.
In the northern section, Scunthorpe United will play host to Rotherham first, before travelling to the Don Valley Stadium for the second leg. Both ties will also take place within the same weeks.
Bringing colour to the beautiful game.