THIS was yet another tough encounter for Overton, this time against Wiltshire League leaders Ludgershall Sports in the first round of the Andover League Open Cup.

The game started at a very high tempo but Overton made the early running playing neat and concise football on a very good surface but it did start to cut up very early on and both teams did struggle to keep their footing at times.

Danny Houseman, Chris Lavisher and Nick Jupp all had chances and at the other end United keeper and man of the match Sean O’Brien (pictured above) had to be at his best again and pulled off three good saves to keep his side in the game.

As the half went on Overton looked likely to get the first goal and near the break Luke Neller and Alex Jupp linked well which created an opening on the right wing to allow Alex Jupp to put a pin point cross into the box for lavisher to score.

Within seven minutes of the restart Ludgershall equalised but this woke Overton and they started to get back into the game which became more physical and unsettled Ludgershall yellow cards were being shown.

Overton seemed to have the upper hand and started to play the football on the floor and to feet which opened up more opportunities and again Houseman and Lavisher went close.

On the 66th minute some good work in midfield allowed Neller to break free and find Houseman who made it 2-1.

Fifteen minutes from time Ludgershall missed a penalty before Neller and substitute Laith Aldoori both should have scored for Overton which could have proved costly as Ludgershall equalised from a freekick right on time to take the tie to penalties.

Overton won 3-1 in the shootout, and are through to the semi-finals.