ROALD Dahl himself could not have scripted it any better, as holders Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School were unexpectedly knocked out at the last 16 stage of the Independent Schools FA Cup.
An injury time equaliser and an extra time winner, both fine volleys, gave Wolverhampton Grammar School a 3-2 victory that, judging by their jubilant reaction, the visitors had not anticipated either.
QEGS, missing key striker Chris Porter through an ankle injury, made all the early running, only to be rocked by a goal totally against the run of play.
Skitt, the WGS captain, sent in a free-kick from the right that evaded everyone including home goalkeeper Jones and nestled in the net.
Following Nelson's long throw, Wolverhampton were similarly aghast to see referee Mulla award QEGS a penalty for pushing. Hedley, who had scored a hat-trick from midfield the previous weekend, converted the chance to leave the teams level 1-1 at half time.
After the interval WGS had more of the play, but it was their turn to concede an unexpected goal. After an excellent shot rebounded from the home bar, the dangerous Holden broke clear, stepped inside his marker and finished with a powerful drive.
Visiting keeper Hearn kept QEGS at bay with two fine saves to keep the score at 2-1. Then deep into added time came the twist in the tale that sent the game into the extra 20 minutes that became the final chapter in QEGS' cup exploits for this season.
Disappointed coach Roger Davies said it was some consolation that this is a very young QEGS side, adding that they would all learn from the experience as part of their development as footballers. Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School 2 Wolverhampton Grammar School 3 (aet)
QEGS: Stephen Jones, Damien Pickup, Martin Grindrod, Andrew Beardsworth, Oliver Dent, Marcus Hedley, Paul MacMahon, Jonathan Oracz, Richard Benson, Jamie Holden, Neville Nelson. Subs: Francis Fielding (GK), Jamie Boland and Nick Pearson.
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