SHEPS GOAL TAKES US INTO THE FINAL

One of the most notable improvements our supporters would have seen in Harry Shepherd’s game is his prowess in front of goal. In his first year with us 3 seasons ago he failed to get on the score sheet from 20 games improving to 9 goals from 49 games the following season. This season Shep has been a revelation and is now our leading scorer with 21 goals from 41 games which includes the crucial goal in this match to take us into the Final of Gladwish Challenge Trophy with a lot of help from Dylan Fitzpatrick

Shep’s record is now 30 goals from 110 games which is impressive for a young player (he is still only 23) who plies his trade in midfield, albeit a bit further forward these days. Football is clearly a team game but Shep’s contribution has made a big difference to the team’s performance this season.

For those of our supporters a bit long in the tooth travelling to New Bradwell St Peter would have brought back a mixture of memories. In the 1997/98 season we lost out on the Senior Division (now Division 1) title on goal difference to them and our last encounter with them was over 21 years ago in February 2004 when we lost 3-1 at their ground with Andy Humphreys grabbing our consolation goal that day. Since then they have had mixed fortunes but they are very much on the up now sitting nicely in pole position in Division 1 and firm favourites to lift the title. They have only lost one League game this season and have not lost a home game so Ryan, his coaching team and players can feel highly pleased with themselves to come away with a victory against such tough opposition.

Our hosts earned a few corners in the early stages of the game and their left winger skilfully jinked his way along the bye line before hitting the sanction with his cross. However we soon settled in and started to get our rhythmic passing going probing along both wings whist our opponents seem content to sit back and try and catch us on the break.

In the 11th minute a fine move led to Bailey Osborne finding Shep whose shot was well saved by the goalkeeper. Eleven minutes later Max Hercule’s corner was met by Dave O’Connor who beat the keeper to the ball but a defender was on the line to clear the danger. We were enjoying a lot of possession but New Bradwell were well organised although they rarely troubled us at the back so chances were thin of the ground.

The half ended scoreless but we had dominated possession and played well without creating too many scoring opportunities. HT Score 0-0.

Two minutes into the second half Harry Jones cleared a free kick off our line and 3 minutes later Harry Beaumont, who had a super game, produced a sumptuous cross to pick out Max Hercules who headed just over. Just past the hour mark there was a bit of controversy when Bailey Osborne was through on goal and then tripped from behind by a defender. The Referee obviously felt that the defender had not denied Bailey a goal scoring opportunity and there were other defenders around so a yellow card was produced. However, one thing is for sure none of those defenders would have caught Bailey.

The clock was ticking round to 66 minutes when Harry Shepherd smacked a brilliant free kick which hit the underside of the bar and bounced away. Soon afterwards Bailey Osborne hit the post from a wide position and then Mason Clarke was inches away from connecting to an inviting cross to the far post.

The game was needing a goal and in the 75th minute it duly arrived and fortunately it was for us. Dylan Fitzpatrick went on a brilliant run and then found Harry Shepherd who smacked his shot past the keeper. It was a fine finish and gave us a crucial lead. Score 0-1.

Our hosts stepped up their game and went all out to find an equaliser with a home forward firing a shot just wide after a good build up. With normal time almost up we had a lucky escape when the lethal home centre forward Luke Burrows, who has scored a remarkable 39 goals so far this season, shot over from a good position. That was the last of the action and we ran out 1-0 winners and on the balance of play it was a deserved victory. FT Score 0-1.

Full credit to our hosts for coming back strongly in the second half and we wish them all the best for the rest of the season but on this performance they look certain to be playing in Division 1 next season.

This was a tough game and we should congratulate Ryan, his coaching team and players for clocking up some impressive stats as this was our 5th consecutive clean sheet and we have now gone 15 games unbeaten. This was recognised by the League who awarded us the Team of the Month for the second month running. So well done everyone.

In the Final we will face Aylesbury Vale Dynamos (who beat London Lions 2-0 on the same night) on Saturday 26th April 2025 and it will take place at the Verdant Stadium, home of Biggleswade United. The distance between us and Aylesbury Vale Dynamos is less than 11 miles and our players, managers and supporters will be required to undertake a round trip of between 90 to 100 miles so hopefully the League will reconsider their decision and select a nearer venue.

On Saturday we are back at The Michael Anthony Stadium when Biggleswade United are our guests for a Premier Division game, kick off 3pm. Saturday will be also be Non-League Day so lets hope we get a good turnout for the lads who are having a brilliant season.

TEAM:
TA: Josh Ameganvi, Harry Jones (Mason Clarke 66), Dylan Fitzgerald, Dave O’Connor, George Carbery (Capt), Frankie Hercules (Noah Butler 76), Harry Beaumont, Harry Shepherd, Finn Rolfe (Jack Harvey 81), Max Hercules Bailey Osborne (Greg Deer 85). Sub not used; Harrison Cornick

SCORERS:

NBSP: -

TA: Harry Shepherd (75)

Crowd: 133

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