CLEVEDON DONS 2 WESTLAND RESERVES 2

(AET, Dons won 5-4 on penalties)

THE Dons went into this Atwell Shield second round match against Division 2 side Westlands Reserves missing a number of key players but a solid work ethic and tireless displays saw them through.

A fast tempo first half saw the Dons start the brighter, the makeshift central midfield pairing of Rich Skinner and Joel Page dominating, supported by excellent wide play by Turner and Ayre, while willing runners Pennington and Jefferys chased everything down up front.

A number of early chances went begging at both ends, Pennington and Page with the best for the Dons before they snatched the lead, a Turner corner going straight in.

As Westlands started to pass the ball, they threatened more and found themselves level after a speculative effort crept in.

However, the Dons took the lead again just before the break, Rich Skinner winning the aerial battle in the middle of the park and his header finding Page, whose flick on found Jefferys in space and he finished coolly.

Westlands levelled in the 55th minute when a free-kick into the box was not dealt with and a lapse in concentration allowed the winger to steal in at the back post.

A nervy last 20 minutes was played out, with Pennington having a gilt-edged opportunity to win it for the Dons.

Extra time saw tired players battle it out and substitute Paul Sell fired over from eight yards.

Penalties were an inevitability and, after Pennington, Fursdon, Lomp and Turner had scored, stand-in keeper Rich Jeffery pulled off a great save to allow Page to seal a fine giant-killing win.

Man of the match was James Pennington.