Ribbleton are second in the league above the Blacks and so we knew this was going to be a tough match. Having supported the Oranges in their quarter final (and seen them win) the Blacks were determined to make it a double for the club.
Euxton started the brighter and created a chance for Daniel early on by the keeper made a save. Both teams were playing well but Euxton certainly had the edge in first half . Two more chances came their way but unfortunately they weren't converted. At the other end Ben and Luke were doing well keeping Ribbleton out. 0-0 at half time but Euxton certainly on top.
 
The second half was more even and Ribbleton certainly came into it well and Aarbaaz made a couple of saves that were important. Blacks still had chances with Daniel , Dylan and Aedan all having shots that were either saved or went just wide.
Kurt was playing well in front of the back two and Daniel looked dangerous every time he got a run at the Ribbleton defence. but Euxton couldn't quite play the football the way they had all season. Ribbleton were strong and it was clear that the first goal could be enough, so it was a worry that Euxton hadn't taken their chances when they came to win the game especially in the first half.
 
Ribbleton started extra time the stronger and for the first time got on top in the game. During this 7 minutes they scored when the centre forward escaped the attention of the Euxton defence for once and turned to shoot inside the post. This spurred the Blacks on and in the second half of extra time they pushed hard for the equalizer. The Ribbleton keeper made a good save from Daniel and a half chance for Kurt came and went. Then after Ben made a driving run at the defence he was fouled on the edge of the box. Kurt hit a great free kick over the wall and the keeper made a super save tipping it over the bar. The Blacks pushed and pushed but couldn't get the break needed and so Ribbleton go into the semi finals.
 
Despite the disappointment the boys felt at the end they should be proud of the way they have played all season and today they didn't get the little bit of luck that their efforts deserved. That's football.