Liphook United 3–3 (1-4 pens) Whitehill & Bordon FC
Whitehill & Bordon FC are through to the ADFA Cup Semi-Final after a dramatic quarter-final tie that had everything — goals, momentum swings and a composed penalty shootout performance.
The Stags made the perfect start. Captain Oli Graham opened the scoring with a looping effort that beat the Liphook goalkeeper to give the visitors an early advantage.
It was soon 0–2 when Elijah Black rose highest to head home from a well-delivered corner, putting Whitehill firmly in control.
The dominance continued as Mikey Cornwell made it 0–3 with a well-taken finish, capping off an excellent first-half display and sending the Stags into the break in a commanding position.
The second half, however, was a different story.
Liphook pulled a goal back to make it 1–3 and began to build momentum. A second followed, setting up a tense final period. With the pressure mounting, Liphook found a third goal to level the match at 3–3, forcing the tie straight to penalties.
From the spot, Whitehill & Bordon showed real composure.
The Stags converted their first penalty before Joe Choulerton produced a crucial save with his feet to deny Liphook’s opening attempt. Whitehill calmly scored their second to increase the pressure, and Joe was at it again — saving Liphook’s second penalty to swing the shootout firmly in the visitors’ favour.
Both sides converted their third penalties, leaving Whitehill one kick away from progression. It was left to Ali, who stepped up confidently and converted the winning penalty to seal a 4–1 shootout victory.
A rollercoaster afternoon ended in celebration as Whitehill & Bordon progressed to the ADFA Cup Semi-Final, showing attacking quality, resilience under pressure and nerves of steel from twelve yards.
