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Confusion in the cup seemed to be the order of the day last night as League Cup NCEL first round ties were settled in different ways.
The clash between Parkgate FC and Dronfield Town finished goalless after 90 minutes and the tie welcomed the drama of a penalty shootout after the full-time whistle. The steelmen scored all 5 spot kicks to defeat Dronfield 5-4 on penalties on the night. Sources at one of the clubs informed us that the clubs were given the option before the game on how they wished to settle it if the sides could not be separated at full time.
League cup rules which are available on the NCEL website at the following link. Meanwhile over in Brigg, Hallam FC’s game seemed to take a different route of finding a winner. The game finished 1-1 after normal time and it looked like the game was to head to penalties, however this was news to both managers of Brigg Town and Hallam FC! Countrymen supporters at the game described a bizarre moment in which the kit man from one of the clubs made the match officials aware of the League cup rules which clearly state that games must go to extra time if a winner is not found in normal time. Penalties does seem like a sensible option when you consider the evening journeys home and that many players and club staff will have to be up early for work the following morning. Add onto that the allure and drama of penalties and surely it is the way forward for our local non-league clubs? At worst it would be nice to see some consistency across the competition especially when many players will be in matchday squads the following Saturday. Meanwhile over in Armthorpe "The Wellie" did their best to avoid any cup drama with a comprehensive 3-0 victory which sees them through to round two. EDIT: Officials from the NCEL confirmed that "In view of the Covid situation clubs have been given the choice to either play extra time or go straight to penalties and that last night's results will stand accordingly.
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