KESWICK were beaten by Ambleside United in the semi-final of the Westmorland FA Senior Cup.

KESWICK 1,

AMBLESIDE UTD. 5

The scoreline suggests this was a comfortable win for Ambleside, which for the last 15 minutes of the 120 it probably was. But before that, a tie played in front of a large crowd could easily have gone Keswick’s way.

Bannister and Frampton went close for the hosts early on against a well organised visiting side. Both defences had to be on top of their game to keep the opposing attackers at bay during a first half which was very even, Keswick just about having the better chances.

There was little to separate the sides after the break but after 65 minutes Ambleside were awarded a penalty as Phillips was adjudged to have fouled the striker. However, the spot kick hit the post and the ball was cleared.

Keswick then had their best spell of the game with Bannister and Robinson going close before they finally took the lead as the game entered the final 10 minutes. Phillips’ long clearance was misjudged by the full back, who allowed the ball to bounce over him and into the path of Bannister, who buried his shot low under the diving keeper.

Ambleside stepped up their efforts and equalised when Keswick failed to clear a ball into the penalty area. Dowson’s attempt to head the ball away saw him glance it past Lamb’s foot and into the net.

As the game entered extra-time, several Keswick players were struggling with injuries and Ambleside took control of the tie. They scored the vital second goal after the home side again failed to clear their lines and added a third just before the break in the extra period. Two more goals followed in the final 15 minutes, the first from the penalty spot and the second following a break, which gave the match an unrealistic scoreline.