What a battle! Meeting Milton for the 4th time this season in the League Cup Final - the Lions in their red and black away kit left everything on the pitch but fate wasn't on our side.
We started like lions unleashed! Bobby nearly opened the scoring early, rattling the crossbar with a thunderous free kick that had the whole ground holding its breath.
The breakthrough came on 17 minutes when Faiz unleashed a shot from range - the keeper could only parry it into the net as our support erupted! What a moment to break the deadlock!
The Lions were in control until a sucker punch 5 minutes before the break. Milton's speculative free kick from distance caught everyone off guard, finding the net in the most unlikely fashion. Devastating timing.
The second half was a war of attrition - Bobby struck the woodwork TWICE as we pushed for the winner, but it remained deadlocked at 1-1, sending us to extra time.
Extra time magic! A lightning counter-attack saw Faiz thread a perfect through ball to Bobby, who showed ice-cool composure to lift it over the keeper. The crowd went absolutely mental! 2-1 Lions!
But lady luck deserted us. A soft free kick decision led to Milton's equalizer just 3 minutes later. Then disaster - a soft challenge earned Milton a penalty that Luca nearly saved, going the right way but just couldn't reach.
When Henry was pulled down in the box with no penalty given, you knew it wasn't our day. As we threw everything forward, Milton caught us on the break to seal a cruel 4-2 victory.
? Goals from: Faiz, Bobby G
? MOTM: Max - An absolute warrior at the back! Bravely put his body on the line and cut out everything until forced off through injury ?
What a season! Solid end to the League campaign and TWO cup finals - the Lions have shown incredible heart!
Hold your heads high, pride of Real 60! Next season, we roar again! ??