Having been awarded a bye in the first round, Bishop’s were drawn away against Queen Elizabeth’s School Wimborne for the first game of the season. As the team settled, some good football gave Charlie Canham the opportunity to control the ball in the box before slotting in the first goal.

The lead was soon doubled by Ben Whelan driving the ball home from a corner. Half-time was reached with a 2-0 lead and a degree of control. The third goal arrived on the hour and looked to have secured the victory.

As substitutions were made and Bishop’s became uncertain in their play, a clearance rebounded into the net to give QE a lifeline. This was soon followed by free kick for QE with the ball being curled around the wall and keeper to make the score 3-2 and led to a very tense final few minutes. It looked as if Bishop’s would hold out but a weaving run through midfield by one of the QE players and a shot from 25 yards levelled the scores.

Extra time ended nil all, so the match came down to penalties. QE missed the target with their first attempt, but Dan Beckles fired home to give Bishop’s the lead. QE were successful with their second penalty and Callum Hodge drove his shot home to give Bishop’s the advantage again. Two excellent saves from Monty George either side of Charlie Canham’s successful penalty gave Bishop’s victory.

The three successful penalties and Monty’s performance put Bishop’s through to the next round. Charlie Canham and Callum Hodge were excellent throughout the match and Monty George was the hero of the penalty shootout with two saves.