Shirley
Athletic lifted the prestigious AFA Senior Cup for the first time in their
history, after a game which could only be decided on, with a penalty shoot-out.
It was Shirley that dominated the first 30 mins, and could have taken the
lead from chances created from great set-pieces. Ben Ince and Scott Kite going
close, but not close enough. St Francis started to get into the game more,
and had the better of the final 15 minutes of the 1st half, and created a
couple of chances, but failed to take advantage. The second half started as
the 1st, with Shirley having long periods of possession, but to no real threat
to St Francis. St Francis relied on the counter-attack early on, and went
close again on a couple of occasions. With both sets of players becoming tired,
the game opened up, and both teams tried to stretch one another on the counter.
The introduction of Damien Kirsch nearly paid off for Shirley, but his 2nd
touch took him too close to the St Francis's keeper. Late on Shirley's defence
rode their luck a little, and manage to survive. Kirsch, again, along with
Mountford and Kite could have snatched a late victory for Shirley, but it
wasn't to be. Shirley had keeper Darren Brown to thank at the death, when
he produced a magnificent one-handed save from 6 yards out, enabling Shirley
to go into extra time.
No team could produce a winner in extra time, and both teams were looking
very tired, and some started to suffer from cramp - So penalties ensued.
St Francis stepped up first, but the effort evaded Shirley's goal and the
car park situated behind the goal. Ryan Long calmly placed Shirley in front,
before Darren Brown saved the second St Francis's effort. Kerry Curtis doubled
Shirley's advantage, before St Francis pulled one back. Ben Ince was unlucky
to have his effort saved, before Brown again saved for Shirley. Next was Scott
Kite, and he made no mistake as Shirley won 3 - 1.
It's not the best way to finish a game, but someone had to win. Credit to
St Francis, as they gave a great performance throughout.
Shirley's next action is Sat 19th April @ The Glades, when taking on Ajax
- Kick off 2:30pm
