Weston-super-Mare have secured their place in the National League South play-off semi-finals after an intense and nail-biting penalty shootout win against Hemel Hempstead Town.
The match seemed to be heading in Weston’s favor when Louis Britton put the Seagulls ahead with a powerful header from a free-kick in the 75th minute. However, Hemel Hempstead fought back, and in the 95th minute, Joe White equalized to bring the score to 1-1, forcing the game into extra time.
Despite both teams creating opportunities to clinch the win, neither side managed to score in extra time, leading to a penalty shootout to decide who would progress.
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Early in the shootout, Max Harris made a crucial save against Joe White’s penalty, but shortly after, Emlyn Lewis was denied the chance to seal victory for Weston when his penalty was saved. The shootout continued with both teams converting penalties until Louis Lomas missed his effort by sending it wide.
With the shootout poised at 5-5, Dan Martin calmly stepped up and scored the decisive penalty, giving Weston a 6-5 victory in the shootout.
Weston-super-Mare now face Hornchurch away in the semi-finals this Saturday at 4pm, bringing them just two matches away from reaching the National League.