Robin Hood 1 Wolves 0 (aet)

Super-sub Z’Chai Jennings-Barnett’s late strike in the second period of extra time gave three-time winners Robin Hood passage into the next round of the FA Cup at Goose Gosling Field on Saturday night.

The substitute capitalised on a fumble from a corner by Wolves goalkeeper David Trott, with the ball falling at Jennings-Barnett’s feet before he smashed into the net from inside the six-yard box.

Victory pleased Hood assistant coach Mishael Paynter, who paid tribute to his defence and goalkeeper after the match.

“Wolves were favourites to go through but we did extremely well to contain them,” Paynter said.

“Their coach stated that we were hard to break down so I take that as a compliment. Ricardo had a good performance as his experience and positioning saved us and kept us in the game tonight.”

Wolves started the match the hungrier of the two teams forcing Hood’s veteran goalkeeper, captain Ricardo Brangman, into action as early as the second minute when he smothered a shot from James Hayeem at the near post. Brangman immediately followed that by making a spectacular diving save on the goalline as Antinori Butterfield’s side volley from a Kyle Brangman cross was destined for the back off the net.

Macai Simmons had Hood’s first threatening attempt when he was played through by Najee Edwards only to slice wide when well placed. Midway through the half, a dangerous, low cross eluded the Hood goalkeeper with Kyle Brangman zoning in on goal only for defender Justin Pitcher, also known for his cricketing skills, to pull off a block at the last second to divert the goalbound shot.

Clay Darrell thought he had given Hood the lead just before the break when he received a pass from substitute Vance Hill before dribbling inside and beating two defenders but his shot flew just wide of the upright as the teams went into the break scoreless.

Butterfield wasted two opportunities to put Wolves ahead shortly after the break as he hit a weak shot at Brangman and had a header blocked by the goalkeeper, who injured himself in the process as Wolves pressed hard for an opener.

Darrell had been making some forceful runs throughout the match and laid off a perfect pass to Lamont Brangman, who somehow miskicked the ball directly in front of goal just as the regulation time was ending.

Midfielder Chris Caisey nearly gave Wolves the lead as the extra time period started when he weaved his way into the box and got a shot off, which goalkeeper Brangman had to collect forcefully on his second attempt.

Darrell then set up the winner with a dazzling drive into the box, which Trott pushed around the post for a corner and from the resulting kick Jennings-Barnett won the tie.

Hood’s Dwayne Brangman received his marching orders a minute from the end of the game as he used foul and abusive language towards referee Anthony Francis after a disputed throw-in call.

Scorers:

Robin Hood: Jennings-Barnett 110

Teams

Robin Hood (4-2-3-1): R Brangman 8 — J Pitcher 6 (sub: A Pitcher, 59min 5) V Lambe 6, A Rymon-Lipinski 6 C Smith 6 — M Simmons 5 (sub: Z Jennings-Barnett, 75 7), A Halls 6 (sub: D Smith, 59 5) —- N Edwards 6 (sub: D Brangman, 98 5), Z Smith 6, K Stevens 4 (sub: V Hill, 32 4; sub: L Brangman, 76 5) — C Darrell 7. Substitutions not used: S Wilson. Booked: A Pitcher. Sent off: D Brangman.

Wolves (4-2-3-1): D Trott 6— Z Rubaine 6, A Brangman 6, S James 6, K Smith 6 (sub: S Ackah-Simons, 98 5) — J Hayeem 6, D Bothelo 6 (sub: L Paynter, 71 5) — K Brangman 6 (sub: T Outerbridge, 56 5) C Caisey 7, L Dill 5 (sub: K Thompson, 71 5) — A Butterfield 6 (sub: D Simmons, 56 5) Substitutions not used: S Wild. Booked: D Bothelo.

Referee: A Francis