It’s definitely a case of game on for the second leg of this tight FA Vase semi-final, as Punjab United surrendered a half time lead to hang on for a draw in difficult conditions in the first leg at windswept Cockfosters today.

Kicking off with a strong following wind behind them, Punjab started brightly creating a couple of early half chances, but nothing to seriously threaten the home keeper. Cockfosters soon grew into the match and were a constant threat on the wings and from set pieces without troubling Owen Bushell in the visitor’s goal.

To the delight of manager Chipie Sian and the 100 plus travelling supporters, Punjab deservedly took the lead on 13 minutes. A long throw into the box was not cleared by the defence, and with the ball bobbling about in the 6-yard area, skipper Wayne Bushell pounce to stab the ball home from on the goal line after it came off a Cockfosters defender.

The home side were stunned and took some time to settle back into the game. Mid-way through the first half, from yet another excellent long throw from full back Matt Shaw, Punjab failed to clear and the loose ball bounced into the 6-yard box before being collected by a grateful Bushell. Getting to the ball just before the oncoming striker.

With their next attack, Cockfosters were aggrieved that the referee failed to give them a penalty for a handball by Jordan Campbell after the ball caught his hand whilst he attempted a clearance. It was the kind of thing seen given, but luckily for Punjab, on this occasion the ref wasn’t interested.

As the half wore on, both sides were getting the ball forward as quick as possible without creating too much. Although Chris Edwards entertained the sell-out crowd by playing head tennis with himself, before seeing his attempted shot tamely float past the post.

The home side finished the half strongly. With a series of free kicks and long throws into the box, their best chance came when Jandir da Cruz headed just over from close range.

With the wind on their backs, Cockfosters threw everything at Punjab in the second half. Another long throw into the box saw a free header from Kendall Gymafi go over the bar.

Although Punjab tried to relieve the pressure on them with some quick counter attacking, they were caught themselves on the break as George Lutaaya raced forward and squared to Gymafi. But he shot wide with just the keeper to beat. From another home attack, Jack Barry made an excellent challenge to do enough to put off Lutaaya who headed over.

Punjab finally grabbed some respite mid-way through the second period. A good run by Chris Edwards saw his cross go along the 6-yard box, but no one was there to apply the finish.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes, Cockfosters were now firmly in the command. From one of their many second half corners, Owen Bushell did really well to palm the ball away from under the bar whilst under pressure from the home forwards. Then a minute later, home captain Jay Lovell should have done better when given a golden opportunity on the edge of the box, but he shot straight at Bushell.

Unfortunately, Punjab’s great rearguard performance was undone six minutes from time when from yet another corner, Jandir da Cruz’s shot from close range looked to have been cleared off the line. But the valiant defending came to nothing as the linesman confirmed that the ball fully crossed the line. Much to the anger of the visitor’s players, management and supporters.

With their tails up and in total control, Cockfosters continued to bombard the Punjab defence with direct set pieces. However their best chance came after some great wing play by substitute Junior Moses, whose late shot come cross fizzed just past the post.

Punjab survived the final five minutes of injury time after a barrage of throws and corners, as their defence performed admirable to keep the final score at 1-1.

Cockfosters – Sansom, Shaw, Hastings (Holland), Stacey, Lovell, Da Cruz, Sotoyinbo, Gymafi (Thomson), Mubiayi, Ugbomah (Offeh), Lutaaya (Moses)

Unused Sub – Evans

Punjab Utd – O Bushell, Lewin-Thomas, J Campbell, W Bushell, Barry, Singh, Edwards, Bryon, R Campbell, Bird, Johnson-Cole (Dawson)

Usused Subs – Scudder, Monger, Ottaway, Beeney

Attendance – 675