Rep 15

A place in the Senior Cup Quarter Finals was the prize for the winner of this game, and as Shirley have slipped to 5th in the AFA Premiership, the Senior Cup looks like their best chance of honours this season.

Shirley immediately attacked Acocks Green from the start, and created a few clear cut chances that were spurned. Shirley didn't have to wait long though, as Mike Mountford found his scoring boots again with a delicate chip over the Acocks Green keeper on 11 mins. More pressure, more missed chances, but once again Mike Mountford popped up with his and Shirley's 2nd on 23 mins. Acocks Green fought for everything, and when their defender was not marked from a throw-in, he scored the goal of his life from 25 yards, to bring Acocks Green back into the game at 2-1. Shirley responded immediately from the kick off, and their persistence paid off when Matt Shaw extended Shirley's lead on 29 mins. It wasn't stopping their either, as Mike Mountford completed his hat-trick on 32 mins with another nice judged lob. Just before half time a Shirley corner resulted in Kerry Curtis heading in from close range, to take Shirley into half time 5-1 to the good.

Mike Mountford made way for Liam Looney for the start of the second half. Acocks Green continued to fight, and gambled pushing players forward. This paid off as they grabbed a second on 51 mins. Again, Shirley responded immediately, when a Matt Shaw corner was met by the head of Scott Kite from 12 yards out in the 53rd min. Acocks Green gambling, resulted in their players failing to get back, and Shirley created many chances but failed to extend their lead. Scott Kite made way for Simon Jamieson on 60 mins, and Jairzinho Nelson replaced James Cartland on 67 mins. Acocks Green continued to try and grab more goals, and were unlucky on the rare occasion. Man of the Match Kerry Curtis, juggled his way into Acocks Green's penalty area before being up-ended. Curtis stepped up to bag his brace, and Shirley's 7th on 82 mins.

Shirley try to regain something in the league next week, with a difficult away tie to AFC Somers in Halesowen. On Jan 5th, Shirley entertain Woodbourne Sports at The Glades in a local Derby.