Histon triumph in penalty shootout over Birstall United to progress in United Counties League Cup
Fresh from manager Lance Key conceding that he was fighting for his job after a poor start to the season, his Histon players responded by advancing in the United Counties League Cup on Saturday.
The Stutes played out a 1-1 draw with Birstall United at Bridge Road before coming out on top 6-5 on penalties.
Key included Lewis Mair within his starting line-up, having brought the versatile defender/midfielder back to the club after a spell away with Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division side Ely City.
However, it was the visitors that broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Josh Crossley finished off a counter-attack.
But rather than lick their wounds, Histon responded almost instantly courtesy of defender Max York’s header from a corner.
With no further goals scored the tie headed to spot kicks, which saw both teams successfully fire in their first five efforts before Histon goalkeeper Sam Roach made a decisive save to send his team through.
Histon will now switch their focus back to their Premier Division South commitments on Saturday (September 16) with the visit of Coventry United before they host St Neots Town on Tuesday (September 19).
Meanwhile, the club has also announced the return of striker Matty Allen from Godmanchester Rovers.
Key said: “Matty is a proven goal scorer and well known to us of course so I’m delighted to have been able to bring him back to Bridge Road.
“He has a drive to score goals and will hopefully give us that cutting edge up front.”