Norstar progress as SPEC go down fighting

Dan Pike pulled one back for SPEC FC, but a great finish from Dec Spiro restored Norstar's two-goal lead.

A screamer from SPEC FC's Ashley Burns in the last five minutes set up a grandstand finish but the underdogs were unable to take the tie into extra time.

Norstar boss Phil Peters told JC Sport: "Despite the result we never really got out of first gear and it was only due to some poor defending and a brilliant strike from debutant Dec Spiro that we came away with the win.

"We were always in control of the game and were able to give a good run out to everyone in the squad due to the rolling-subs rule. I was particular impressed with Deci and fellow new boy Rob Blackman who both gave our attacking play an extra dimension.

"It was disappointing to see SPEC resort to such dirty tactics to try and get a result - they'd have been a lot more threatening if they'd played the football we know they're capable of. I really hope they get promoted this year - they certainly have a talented enough squad to do so."

SPEC FC's Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "It was a really good cup tie today. Norstar were the better team and deserved to go through however with a very contentious goal disallowed with a couple of minutes remaining, we can also consider ourselves a touch unlucky.

"They played some good stuff, though it was disappointing to be the architects of our downfall which we were with a couple of their goals. Good luck to Norstar in the rest of the competition."