In one of the most thrilling Carabao Cup matches in recent memory, Preston North End shocked Fulham with a 16-15 victory in the longest penalty shootout in League Cup history. The third-round tie ended 1-1 in regular time, but after an epic shootout that featured 30 penalties, Ryan Ledson stepped up to secure Preston’s place in the next round, sparking wild celebrations at Deepdale.
A Competitive Match in Regular Time
Preston, who compete in the Championship, faced a daunting task against Premier League side Fulham. Both managers rotated their squads heavily for this cup fixture, with Marco Silva fielding a number of fringe players and newcomers, including Reiss Nelson, on loan from Arsenal. Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom made similar changes, providing opportunities for young and backup players to shine.
Despite the differences in league status, Preston held their own against their Premier League opponents. Early in the first half, they created several chances, with Stefan Thordarson coming close to scoring after just 12 minutes, forcing Fulham goalkeeper Steven Benda into a sharp save. Kaine Kesler-Hayden had an even better opportunity shortly after, but his close-range header was brilliantly saved by Benda.
Fulham also had their moments, with Harrison Reed nearly giving the visitors the lead midway through the first half. Reed’s strike seemed destined for the back of the net, but a heroic block from Liam Lindsay denied Fulham the opener.
Ryan Ledson’s Stunning Volley
As the match progressed, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock. A weak clearance from Fulham’s Harrison Reed fell kindly to Ryan Ledson, who struck a stunning 20-yard volley into the bottom corner in the 35th minute. The strike sent the Deepdale crowd into raptures, as Preston took a 1-0 lead against their Premier League opposition.
Ledson’s goal marked his second in two cup appearances this season, a remarkable feat for the midfielder who is not typically known for his goal-scoring prowess. His leadership and energy in midfield helped Preston control large parts of the first half, frustrating Fulham and keeping them at bay.
Fulham’s Equalizer: Reiss Nelson Levels the Score
However, Fulham responded well in the second half, gradually asserting themselves with the quality expected of a Premier League side. They came close to equalizing just before the hour mark when Harrison Reed unleashed a powerful 20-yard strike that rattled the crossbar. Freddie Woodman, Preston’s goalkeeper, then made a crucial save to deny Rodrigo Muniz from scoring on the rebound.
The breakthrough for Fulham finally came in the 61st minute. Reiss Nelson, a lively presence throughout the match, found space at the near post to convert a cross from Ryan Sessegnon, leveling the score at 1-1. It was a deserved equalizer for Fulham, and Nelson’s impact on the game was a reminder of the Premier League quality within their squad.
Fulham continued to pile on the pressure as the match wore on. Harry Wilson almost put them ahead in the 70th minute, but Woodman was once again equal to the task, producing a fine save to keep the score level.
The Dramatic 16-15 Penalty Shootout
With neither side able to find a winner in regular time, the match was destined for penalties. What followed was a historic shootout that will be remembered for years to come. Both teams showed remarkable composure as the shootout progressed, with the first 16 penalties all being successfully converted.
As the shootout reached 8-8, the pressure began to mount. Jorge Cuenca for Fulham and Kaine Kesler-Hayden for Preston both had their efforts saved, but the shootout continued as players were called upon to take second penalties. The tension inside Deepdale was palpable as each player stepped up, knowing that one mistake could cost their team the match.
Just the longest-ever shootout in League Cup history!
3️⃣4️⃣ penalties taken
3️⃣1️⃣ penalties scored#EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/Zr0HlH9cr5— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) September 17, 2024
At 15-15, Fulham’s Timothy Castagne stepped forward but blasted his penalty over the bar, giving Preston the chance to win it. Up stepped Ryan Ledson, already a hero for his first-half goal. He showed nerves of steel as he sent Steven Benda the wrong way, sealing a famous 16-15 victory for Preston North End.
The Preston faithful erupted in celebration, knowing they had just witnessed their team make history in the Carabao Cup.
Key Players and Turning Points
Ryan Ledson – Preston’s Hero
Ryan Ledson was Preston’s standout performer, not only scoring a stunning goal to give his side the lead but also holding his nerve to convert the winning penalty in the shootout. His leadership and all-around display in midfield were pivotal in helping Preston overcome their Premier League opposition.
Freddie Woodman – A Crucial Presence in Goal
Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman produced several key saves throughout the match and in the shootout. His crucial stops to deny Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz and Harry Wilson in regular time kept his team in the match, and his calm presence during the shootout was vital in securing the win.
Reiss Nelson – Fulham’s Bright Spark
Reiss Nelson was Fulham’s most dangerous player on the night, constantly threatening Preston’s defense and scoring the equalizer with a well-timed finish. His link-up play with Ryan Sessegnon caused problems for the hosts, but his efforts were not enough to avoid defeat.
Paul Heckingbottom’s Reaction
Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom was full of praise for his team’s effort and commitment after the match. Speaking about the penalty shootout, he said:
“As it wore on, eight-all, nine-all, it made me more determined to win it because of the effort and commitment put in to get to penalties. We were the team, certainly in injury time, trying to get the game to penalties.”
He also highlighted the resilience of his defense, particularly in the first half: “Freddie (Woodman) was very good again, but the team in front of him protected him really well. Three times in the first half it was last-ditch defending, but we had our moments as well.”
What’s Next for Preston and Fulham?
With this memorable victory, Preston North End advances to the Carabao Cup fourth round, where they will face another challenging opponent. The fourth-round draw will take place next Wednesday after the Liverpool vs. West Ham tie. Preston will be hoping to continue their cup run and carry this momentum into their league campaign.
Fulham, meanwhile, will be disappointed with their early exit from the competition and will need to refocus on their Premier League campaign. Despite controlling large portions of the match, they were unable to capitalize on their chances and now face the challenge of bouncing back from this defeat.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember for Preston
Preston North End’s dramatic 16-15 penalty shootout victory over Fulham will go down as one of the most extraordinary matches in Carabao Cup history. The Championship side’s resilience, combined with their ability to hold their nerve during the shootout, saw them triumph over their Premier League opponents. It was a night that the Deepdale faithful will not forget anytime soon, as Preston made history with their stunning cup upset.
ALSO READ:Champions League Clash of the Titans: Man City vs Inter Preview and Betting Predictions
