Sporle 2, Aldborough Lions 3 (aet) The Lions continued their cup run with a trip into the unknown at Sporle. With a pitch that resembled a mountain it was so steep the Lions dug in and endured a spell of early pressure but with all the big guns fit always looked threatening and it was the away team that took the lead after 15 minutes when Merritt volleyed home from 10 yards.

Sporle 2, Aldborough Lions 3 (aet)

The Lions continued their cup run with a trip into the unknown at Sporle. With a pitch that resembled a mountain it was so steep the Lions dug in and endured a spell of early pressure but with all the big guns fit always looked threatening and it was the away team that took the lead after 15 minutes when Merritt volleyed home from 10 yards.

With both teams flooding the midfield there were few chances until Whitlam smashed the post from 35yards minutes before half-time.

With the slope against them the Lions knew the hard work was ahead of them but they got the perfect start to the second half when Merritt struck an awesome 30-yard screamer into the top corner. Intense late pressure from Sporle eventually paid off when they pulled a goal back after a well worked move but they then equalised in controversial fashion with only minutes left.

Extra time was end-to-end and although the home side had the better chances it was left to Darren Hall to chip the keeper from 35 yards to send the Lions through to the quarter-finals. Great team effort but Lee Merritt was outstanding in midfield.

Aldborough Lions Res 0, Haisboro Athletic 11

Under new management the Lions got off to a dreadful start and were on the wrong end of a hefty beating. Despite being a young side with plenty of new players there needs to be a lot more heart and someone needs to step up and take control on the pitch. Plenty of potential. Man of Match: Gary England.

Thorpe Ladies 9, Aldborough Lionettes 1

The Lionettes got off to a poor start to 2009 with a beating at league leaders Thorpe. It was their first game in nearly two months thanks to the ridiculous fixture system and the ladies looked rusty from the start. With Karen missing Cathy deputised in between the sticks and did a great job considering three of the usual back four were missing. Thorpe dominated throughout but the girls never gave up and replied through Annie.