Stretford Paddock’s run in the JA Walton Cup came to an end as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Wythenshawe Reserves in the quarter-finals at Wythenshawe Football Club. A controversial first-half goal proved to be the decisive moment in a fiercely contested match, leaving Paddock frustrated and eliminated from the tournament.
The game began with high intensity, with both teams pressing aggressively and looking to gain early control. In the 3rd minute, Wythenshawe won a free kick from the center line, delivering a lofted ball into the penalty area. Their attacker rose highest to head the ball towards goal, but Florin, making his return to the starting XI, was alert to the danger and made a safe catch.
Paddock had a golden opportunity in the 14th minute when Damani Hall made an impressive interception in the opponent’s half. Driving forward with pace, he carried the ball into the penalty area before squaring it to Sam Pratt. However, Pratt couldn’t get the desired contact, firing his shot straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.
The defining moment of the first half arrived in the 44th minute. A precise pass from outside the box found a Wythenshawe attacker in space. With time to compose himself, he slotted the ball past Florin, sparking furious protests from the Paddock players and bench, who believed the goal should have been ruled offside. Despite their appeals, the referee allowed the goal to stand, giving Wythenshawe a crucial 1-0 lead. As halftime approached, Paddock found themselves trailing but determined to respond in the second half.
The second half began with Paddock pushing forward in search of an equalizer. In the 49th minute, Kayode Adewale showcased his skill and determination, driving into the opponent’s box and unleashing a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target. It was an encouraging sign as Paddock looked to turn the game around. Wythenshawe came close to doubling their lead in the 60th minute when a well-worked attack resulted in a shot crashing against the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly to another Wythenshawe attacker, but Florin pulled off a brilliant save to keep Paddock in the game.
Just five minutes later, Florin produced another moment of brilliance, making three consecutive saves in quick succession to deny Wythenshawe once again. In the 74th minute, controversy struck again. Adewale played a perfectly weighted through ball to Damani Hall, who raced past the onrushing goalkeeper and found himself in an open position. As he attempted to take his shot, he collided with an opposition defender and went down, appealing for a penalty. Instead of awarding the spot-kick, the referee sin-binned Hall for dissent, leaving Paddock temporarily down to 10 men.
Despite the setback, Paddock continued to push forward. Substitutions in the 81st and 85th minutes brought fresh legs, with Alfie Derry and Kiefer Cole entering the fray. In the 87th minute, Sam Pratt came agonizingly close to equalizing with a powerful shot that forced the goalkeeper into a full-stretch save. The ball skimmed past the post, inches away from leveling the score. Paddock continued to press in stoppage time, forcing corners and delivering dangerous crosses, but Wythenshawe’s defense held firm. The final whistle confirmed Paddock’s exit from the JA Walton Cup at the quarter-final stage.
With the cup campaign now over, their focus shifts back to the league, where they will look to bounce back and continue their push for a strong finish to the season.
Images by @callsaulmedia
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