Alsop progressed to the quarter-finals of the Merseyside Cup after a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over St Hilda’s, winning 8-7 after a dramatic 2-2 draw.

St Hilda’s took the lead early on, making the most of their strength from corners to head home the opener. However, Alsop responded well, showing their attacking quality. Their equaliser came from a set-piece of their own, as Jack arrived late at the back post to finish from a well-delivered corner.

Alsop then took the lead with a moment of real quality. Sam, playing at left-back, spotted Lucas making a run in behind and delivered a pinpoint long ball over the defence. Lucas showed brilliant composure, lifting a delicate chip over the onrushing goalkeeper to put Alsop 2-1 up.

Despite dominating much of the game, Alsop were pegged back with around 15 minutes to play when St Hilda’s once again capitalised on a corner, bundling the ball home to force penalties.

The shootout was a tense affair, going to sudden death. At 8-7, St Hilda’s final taker struck the crossbar, sending Alsop through. A fantastic team performance, with Eli’s dominant midfield display proving crucial.