Roffey Robins Atletico reach semis after Botevyle's shootout heroics

Goalkeeper Theo Botevyle put in an outstanding man of the match performance as Roffey Robins Atletico edged past Horsham Tigers in a nail-biting Plate quarter-final clash at the weekend.
Goalkeeper Theo Botevyle was Atleticos shootout saviour. Picture by Paul AndersonGoalkeeper Theo Botevyle was Atleticos shootout saviour. Picture by Paul Anderson
Goalkeeper Theo Botevyle was Atleticos shootout saviour. Picture by Paul Anderson

Atletico took the lead through Romario Moratalla who, from the right hand side of the area, played across the keeper with pinpoint accuracy to score in the far corner.

It looked like Atletico would hold their lead through to half-time until a Tigers player found himself unmarked in the box and smashed the ball home.

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Atletico regained the lead in the second half with a goal of pure beauty.

Aaron Woodhams received the ball midway through the Tigers half, close to the touchline.

He had no options for a pass, so struck the sweetest of left foot shots into the keeper’s top left corner.

From then on Atletico were on the defensive. Fin Ledingham and Will Anderson were marshalled by the superb Dan Klamm in the centre of defence.

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Botevyle kept Atletico in the game with some marvellous saves in an inspirational performance.

As the game progressed there were chances both sides, with Lucas Byrne adding some zest to the Atletico performance.

Tigers though showed their resilience and again equalised. Neither side could find a winner and the game went to penalties.

Botevyle saved the first two penalties, whist Atletico converted theirs.

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As the shootout reached its conclusion, Tigers needed to score to stay in the game.

Botevyle dived to his right, saved the shot, and was the hero as Atletico advanced to the semis.

Manager Ricardo Moratalla said “Theo was the difference between the two teams. We are lucky to have a keeper of his quality.

“Credit must go to the Tigers players and the great work Tom Redman is doing at Horsham Tigers to go unbeaten all season so far.

“Penalties are a great way to win a match, but the cruellest way to lose.”