Barnes Albion suffered penalty shoot-out heartache in their Middlesex Sunday Cup final clash with Broadfields United, played at Harefield United’s Preston Park ground, writes Jim Taylor.

The game was very evenly balanced and went to extra time and then to a dramatic penalty shoot - out before a winner could be decided.

In fact it was similar to a certain simultaneous nationwide situation that was unfolding.

The game started at a furious pace with Broadfields having the better of the early exchanges.

Skipper Tim Nye just cleared the Barnes Albion crossbar with a header and Marcus Fearon was tripped just outside the box with the resultant free kick coming to nothing.

Unsurprisingly, they took the lead in the 25th minute. Barnes Albion’s keeper, Richard Priest did well to save a shot from Marcus Fearon but Ricky Dash slotted the loose ball home.

However, Barnes Albion equalised almost immediately

. Luke Willis hit a cracking volley into the roof of the Broadfield’s net and understandably celebrated with a spectacular series of cartwheels.

Half Time: Barnes Albion 1 Broadfields United 1

Play became a little scrappy in the goalless second half and referee Jason Richardson was kept very busy dealing with some fierce encounters and quite a lot of vociferous advice.

He and his assistants coped well.

The outstanding players during this period were Lamar Taylor, at the centre of the Broadfields United defence who impressed with his cool defending and efficient distribution, Barnes Albion midfielder, Adam Willis and goalkeepers Richard Priest and Craig Nicholson.

The best chances of the half fell to Broadfields United striker, Dave Lawrence who hit the post early on and then forced Richard Priest into two good saves within the 82nd minute.

He then skimmed the crossbar with the last kick of additional time just after Barnes Albion substitute, Dayo Olufemi had performed a similar feat at the other end.

Full Time Score: Barnes Albion 1 Broadfields United 1

Extra time failed to produce any more goals thanks largely to increasingly influential displays by both goalkeepers, Richard Priest and Craig Nicholson with the latter in the Broadfields goal having slightly more to do than his opposite number.

So the match went to penalty kicks. Richard Priest dived to save Broadfield United’s first kick taken by Kirk Critchley but then Mark Gallagher of Barnes Albion hit Craig Nicholson’s right hand post.

Dave Lawrence (Broadfields) and Ben Dyett (Barnes) converted their kicks as did Dean Foster (Broadfields).

Craig Nicholson then made a diving save from Jack Buckle’s kick to make the score 2-1 to Broadfields after three kicks apiece.

Sam Horan and Adam Willis both converted their kicks to move the penalty score to 3-2 leaving Michael Murray to win the match with his well placed kick.

Result of Penalty Shoot – Out: Barnes Albion 2 Broadfields United 4

The Guest of Honour and County Life Vice President, Graham Hiseman chose Craig Nicholson as Man of the Match.

The attendance was 98.