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Sweeney spot on for last-gasp winner

20/12/2007

ABACUS Media travelled to the Lancaster Club, Broadway, to play Manchester League team Avro in the third round of the Manchester Amateur Cup.

With Media having a full strength squad hopes were high of a good result, and the team wasn’t disappointed.

Media were soon in control, and after 10 minutes they were awarded a freekick on the edge of the area. Tim Sweeney’s kick was flicked on by Russ Ingham and Tom Fraser pounced on the loose ball to slot home from six-yard.

This seemed to kick Avro into action, and almost instantly they broke forward to be awarded a penalty which was subsequently dispatched past Martin Byrne.

Two sucker-punch goals then saw Media trailing 3-1.

But they were thrown a lifeline in the 44th minute. Ste Holden managed to cross an excellent ball for Russ Ingham to head home.

A huge effort was needed in the second half, and some match-changing tactical substitutions were made  by manager Alex Brown.

But it wasn’t until the 87th minute that Media got back on terms.

Russ Ingham took a long crossfield ball on his chest and with great poise managed to control and turn in one before  curling the ball into the roof of the net from the tightest of angles.

Then, in the final minute of the game, and just as it looked certain to go to extra time, Andy McGinty was brought down by a last-ditch tackle and a penalty was awarded.

Up stepped Liam Sweeney who placed the ball past the despairing Avro keeper.

Media, now in the last eight of the knockout, have their final league game of 2007 on Saturday when they travel to play Old Ashtonians.