Rep 24

(1) Darren Brown
(2) Barry Morley
(3) Jairzinho Nelson
(4) James Cartland
(5) Nic Newell
(6) Kerry Curtis
(7) Ben Ince
(8) Ryan Long
(9) Scott Kite
(10) Simon Jamieson
(11) Damien Kirsch

(12) Matt Shaw
for 3 (45 mins)
(13) Greg Bramwell
for 4 (55 mins)
(14) Paddy Fanning
not used
(15) Scott Curtis
not used

A place in the prestigious Senior Cup final was the prize for the winners of this tie.

Walsall Phoenix started the more lively, and should've taken the lead in the first 10 minutes. A wind assisted Phoenix kept Shirley in their own half for long periods, and should have added a couple of goals. A rare Shirley 1st half attacked saw a long through ball from Curtis not cleared by the Walsall defence. The ball fell to Ben Ince who found the net mid-way through the 1st half. Walsall continued to press, and a counter attack by them, resulted in them hitting the Shirley upright.

Jairzinho Nelson made way for Matt Shaw at half time, and Shirley began to try and play some football. A few chances were coming Shirley's way but nothing really clear-cut. It took a special 25 yarder from Ryan Long to increase Shirley's lead. Long's left foot drive hit the underside of the top right corner before finding the Walsall net. Walsall kept pushing, and were nearly rewarded by some hesitant defending. Walsall got one back with 15 mins to go, and that gave them some renewed hope. Shirley had a few chance too, but never made the Phoenix keeper work. Walsall nearly equalised, but keeper Darren Brown made a couple of crucial saves.

Shirley take on local rivals Wake Green @ The Glades Football Centre next Saturday 15th March - Kick Off 2:30pm