Friday Night Football was back this week and, most likely, the final BotP game of the season. Last year, early on in the season, BotP dipped into the Salop Leisure League with games at Ludlow (Ludlow Look To The Evans) and Morda United (Morda Hang On To Top Spot), both of which were very enjoyable. It wasn't too much of a decision to make the long journey North on Friday evening for the Division One Cup Final between Division One Champions Bridgnorth Spartans and SAHA FC, who had finished fifth in the table. The game was being played at Midland League Division One runners-up Allscott Heath's ground.
The road to the Final saw Bridgnorth first dismantle Ercall Evolution Aces 7-1 before beating Ercall Ranger 4-0 in the next round. In the semi-final they saw off Shrewsbury Juniors Development 4-1.
SAHA (Shropshire Area Health Authority) began their cup campaign with a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat of Shrewsbury Up & Comers Development, after a 3-3 draw. That was followed with a 7-1 demolition of last season's beaten finalists Llanymynech (they lost 2-1 to Brown Clee). Their semi-final with Impact FC was abandoned and awarded to SAHA (unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the reason).
Thanks to the very helpful Salop Leisure League official who allowed myself and another spectator to get photos of the team sheets prior to kick off. Very much appreciated.
The road to the Final saw Bridgnorth first dismantle Ercall Evolution Aces 7-1 before beating Ercall Ranger 4-0 in the next round. In the semi-final they saw off Shrewsbury Juniors Development 4-1.
SAHA (Shropshire Area Health Authority) began their cup campaign with a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat of Shrewsbury Up & Comers Development, after a 3-3 draw. That was followed with a 7-1 demolition of last season's beaten finalists Llanymynech (they lost 2-1 to Brown Clee). Their semi-final with Impact FC was abandoned and awarded to SAHA (unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the reason).
Thanks to the very helpful Salop Leisure League official who allowed myself and another spectator to get photos of the team sheets prior to kick off. Very much appreciated.
Kian Parsons was the busier keeper League champions Bridgnorth, as you would expect, started full of confidence. This was exemplified by their first attempt at goal, an acrobatic overhead kick from Tyrone Anthony, sent just wide of the SAHA goal after 4 minutes. 10 minutes in, Anthony turned provider, producing a slide-rule through ball to set Sam Preece on his way. The striker's low shot beat Kian Parsons but went wide of his left-hand upright. A few minutes later the same striker was put through again, this time a precision pass from Brandon Bristow slicing open the SAHA defence. Preece's first time attempt flew just over the bar.
Spartans were well on top in terms of possession at this stage. However, as if to try to prove what an unpredictable game football can be, it was SAHA who came closest to taking the lead on 27 minutes. Goalkeeper Ryan Joys had to go full length to keep out a Callum Davies attempt.
Normal service was then resumed as yet another defence splitting pass sent Anthony clear. This time the strike was on target but Kian Parsons was well positioned to make the block. The keeper was called into action again just past the half-hour when Bristow's went for goal when everyone was expected a cross towards the far post. Parsons adjusted his feet well to palm the ball over. Then, with 10 minutes left in the half, SAHA had a huge let-off. A rapid Spartans break down their right culminated in the ball being fed into the path of Anthony who, without breaking strike, took the ball around Parsons but then, with the goal gaping, inexplicably planted his shot against the post and out for a goal-kick. A minute later a Dougie Roberts also flew wide of Parsons' goal. Spartans could easily have been three up or as easily a goal down.
With time ticking down towards half-time and a stalemate looking increasingly likely, Spartans finally got the breakthrough in the 41st minute. A free-kick from the right was delivered into a dangerous spot inside the 6-yard area. Jon Gaff got his head to it and, in all fairness probably should have given Parson little chance. However, the keeper did get a hand to the ball, pushing it into a melee of players. In the ensuing scramble the ball ended back at the feet of Gaff who stabbed it over the line. 1-0
Bridgnorth just needed to keep it tight for the next couple of minutes to get into the changing rooms with their noses in front. However, they were almost caught out in the final minute of the half and, once gain, had their goalkeeper Ryan Joys to thank. SAHA captain Jaden Beven, who had put himself about all half, finally got a sight of goal. Beating the offside trap, he cut the ball back onto his left and tried to curl one inside the post only for Joys to throw himself to his right, pushing the ball clear of danger.
HT Bridgnorth Spartans 1 SAHA FC 0. Spartans had the lion's share of possession but, conversely, Ryan Joys made the two best saves of the half. SAHA would need to find a way to prevent Bridgnorth's through balls from slicing their defence apart. Too many times they had left their keeper exposed and Spartans were not going to always be so generous with their finishing. The next goal in this game would be crucial.
Spartans were well on top in terms of possession at this stage. However, as if to try to prove what an unpredictable game football can be, it was SAHA who came closest to taking the lead on 27 minutes. Goalkeeper Ryan Joys had to go full length to keep out a Callum Davies attempt.
Normal service was then resumed as yet another defence splitting pass sent Anthony clear. This time the strike was on target but Kian Parsons was well positioned to make the block. The keeper was called into action again just past the half-hour when Bristow's went for goal when everyone was expected a cross towards the far post. Parsons adjusted his feet well to palm the ball over. Then, with 10 minutes left in the half, SAHA had a huge let-off. A rapid Spartans break down their right culminated in the ball being fed into the path of Anthony who, without breaking strike, took the ball around Parsons but then, with the goal gaping, inexplicably planted his shot against the post and out for a goal-kick. A minute later a Dougie Roberts also flew wide of Parsons' goal. Spartans could easily have been three up or as easily a goal down.
With time ticking down towards half-time and a stalemate looking increasingly likely, Spartans finally got the breakthrough in the 41st minute. A free-kick from the right was delivered into a dangerous spot inside the 6-yard area. Jon Gaff got his head to it and, in all fairness probably should have given Parson little chance. However, the keeper did get a hand to the ball, pushing it into a melee of players. In the ensuing scramble the ball ended back at the feet of Gaff who stabbed it over the line. 1-0
Bridgnorth just needed to keep it tight for the next couple of minutes to get into the changing rooms with their noses in front. However, they were almost caught out in the final minute of the half and, once gain, had their goalkeeper Ryan Joys to thank. SAHA captain Jaden Beven, who had put himself about all half, finally got a sight of goal. Beating the offside trap, he cut the ball back onto his left and tried to curl one inside the post only for Joys to throw himself to his right, pushing the ball clear of danger.
HT Bridgnorth Spartans 1 SAHA FC 0. Spartans had the lion's share of possession but, conversely, Ryan Joys made the two best saves of the half. SAHA would need to find a way to prevent Bridgnorth's through balls from slicing their defence apart. Too many times they had left their keeper exposed and Spartans were not going to always be so generous with their finishing. The next goal in this game would be crucial.
Ryan Joys applies the finishing touch Four minutes into the second half Spartans showed that they were keen to continue where the left off. Another quick break down the right gave Preece another opportunity but, once again, Parsons did well to block the effort. A minute later Tayos Flowers, on as a replacement for Anthony, started and almost finished a lovely move on the left. Unfortunately for Bridgnorth the final volley went wide of the mark. It was shortly after this point that the grassroots stalwart, Shay Purley, showed up. Clearly being called upon to bolster the SAHA defence.
Despite the early attempts from Bridgnorth, the second period was a lot quieter than the first. As we passed the hour mark, neither side had managed to threaten again. Although SAHA had managed to stop the through ball that caused so many issues in the first half.
Four minutes pas the hour, however, Spartans did get that all important second goal. when Walford's deep cross from the right was met at the far post by a Tayos Flowers volley. The ball clipped the inside of Parson's right -hand post before settling in the back of the net. 2-0
Ten minutes later the game looked to have been put beyond SAHA. Bridgnorth captain Sam Owen did well to latch onto a ball on the halfway line, clipping it past a defender to run in on goal. He shrugged off a challenge and then clipped a delightful shot, with the outside of his foot, over Parsons and into the net. A very skilful finish. 3-0. It looked all over but, two minutes later, SAHA managed to sow a little doubt into Bridgnorth minds. captain Jaden Beven was the scorer, driving a low shot across the face of Joys into the far corner. 3-1
The goal sparked SAHA's best period of the game. They certainly looked more threatening and Spartans resorted to hoofing the ball clear at times, perhaps starting to feel the strains of a long season. There was also quite a bit of added time to play after a number of stoppages.
SAHA came close to getting another back from a corner and then Callum Davies, running in onto a right-wing cross, was unfortunate to see his effort fly of the bar. Maybe, if that had gone in, we coudl have had a barnstorming finish. Instead, with a minute to go, SAHA went down to 10 when Charlie Fletcher was shown a red for what the referee deemed to be a kick out at Flowers. The SAHA defender claimed that the winger fell into him but the referee was having none of it. It was a hard one to call. The Spartans player was falling towards the defender but there also looked to be deliberate movement from the defender towards the player. The referee had a much better view than I did, to be fair.
Into added time and follwoing another Sam Owen strike going just wide, Spartans were awarded a penalty. Teh game was already won, so the spot-kick duty was handed to goalkeeper Ryan Joys. He calmly sent Parsons the wrong way. 4-1.
One of the SAHA players must have taken exception to the penalty award beacuse, just as the restrat was about to be taken I looked up to see a plyer walking off. Maybe a sin-bin rather than a red but, with a minute remaining, it mattered little either way.
FT Bridgnorth Spartans 4 SAHA FC 1.
Congratulations to Bridgnorth Spartans, Division One League a Cup double winners.
In all fairness they were in control of this game pretty much from the first to last minute. SAHA worked hard and had their chances too, but Spartans were just too good on the evening.
Bridgnorth Spartans: 1.Joys, 2.Hill, 3.Bristow, 4.Gaff, 15.S.Walford, 6.A.Walford, 7.Minifie, 8.Roberts, 9.Preece, 10.Owen(c), 11.Anthony. Subs: 14.Cox, 21. Bluck, 17.Flowers, 22.Woodcock, 18.James
SAHA: 1.Parsons, 2.Turner, 15.Dec Harris, 6.Denfhy, 4.Fletcher, 5.Murch, 8.Denton, 12.Murphy, 10.Opoku, 9.Beven(c), 11.Davies. Subs: 14.Dylan Harris, 16.Dale, 17.Awofisan, 7.Carter, 3.Langford
Despite the early attempts from Bridgnorth, the second period was a lot quieter than the first. As we passed the hour mark, neither side had managed to threaten again. Although SAHA had managed to stop the through ball that caused so many issues in the first half.
Four minutes pas the hour, however, Spartans did get that all important second goal. when Walford's deep cross from the right was met at the far post by a Tayos Flowers volley. The ball clipped the inside of Parson's right -hand post before settling in the back of the net. 2-0
Ten minutes later the game looked to have been put beyond SAHA. Bridgnorth captain Sam Owen did well to latch onto a ball on the halfway line, clipping it past a defender to run in on goal. He shrugged off a challenge and then clipped a delightful shot, with the outside of his foot, over Parsons and into the net. A very skilful finish. 3-0. It looked all over but, two minutes later, SAHA managed to sow a little doubt into Bridgnorth minds. captain Jaden Beven was the scorer, driving a low shot across the face of Joys into the far corner. 3-1
The goal sparked SAHA's best period of the game. They certainly looked more threatening and Spartans resorted to hoofing the ball clear at times, perhaps starting to feel the strains of a long season. There was also quite a bit of added time to play after a number of stoppages.
SAHA came close to getting another back from a corner and then Callum Davies, running in onto a right-wing cross, was unfortunate to see his effort fly of the bar. Maybe, if that had gone in, we coudl have had a barnstorming finish. Instead, with a minute to go, SAHA went down to 10 when Charlie Fletcher was shown a red for what the referee deemed to be a kick out at Flowers. The SAHA defender claimed that the winger fell into him but the referee was having none of it. It was a hard one to call. The Spartans player was falling towards the defender but there also looked to be deliberate movement from the defender towards the player. The referee had a much better view than I did, to be fair.
Into added time and follwoing another Sam Owen strike going just wide, Spartans were awarded a penalty. Teh game was already won, so the spot-kick duty was handed to goalkeeper Ryan Joys. He calmly sent Parsons the wrong way. 4-1.
One of the SAHA players must have taken exception to the penalty award beacuse, just as the restrat was about to be taken I looked up to see a plyer walking off. Maybe a sin-bin rather than a red but, with a minute remaining, it mattered little either way.
FT Bridgnorth Spartans 4 SAHA FC 1.
Congratulations to Bridgnorth Spartans, Division One League a Cup double winners.
In all fairness they were in control of this game pretty much from the first to last minute. SAHA worked hard and had their chances too, but Spartans were just too good on the evening.
Bridgnorth Spartans: 1.Joys, 2.Hill, 3.Bristow, 4.Gaff, 15.S.Walford, 6.A.Walford, 7.Minifie, 8.Roberts, 9.Preece, 10.Owen(c), 11.Anthony. Subs: 14.Cox, 21. Bluck, 17.Flowers, 22.Woodcock, 18.James
SAHA: 1.Parsons, 2.Turner, 15.Dec Harris, 6.Denfhy, 4.Fletcher, 5.Murch, 8.Denton, 12.Murphy, 10.Opoku, 9.Beven(c), 11.Davies. Subs: 14.Dylan Harris, 16.Dale, 17.Awofisan, 7.Carter, 3.Langford
S decent crowd for a step 8 game
The Ground
Allscott Heath's ground is situated between the villages of Allscott and Walcot, midway between Telford and Shrewsbury. The football ground is part of a broader sports complex that plays host to cricket, bowling and archery. There is a car park running the width of the ground behind one of the goals, with additional parking at the car dealership that backs onto the ground. Access is through a purpose built wooden structure and a turnstile off the car park that brings you into the corner of the ground. Immediately to your right as you enter is the clubhouse, snack bar and toilet block. Alonside this is a covered standing spectator area, behind which are the players and officials changing blocks. The dugouts are also on this side of the pitch. On the opposite side there is a small covered seating area, with hard-standing running around three sides of the ground. The pitch looked to be pretty flat and in a decent state considering it was the end of a long, hard season. A nice, tidy ground with rolling hills in the background giving it a rural feel.
Ground Number: 409
Att:
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A
Allscott Heath's ground is situated between the villages of Allscott and Walcot, midway between Telford and Shrewsbury. The football ground is part of a broader sports complex that plays host to cricket, bowling and archery. There is a car park running the width of the ground behind one of the goals, with additional parking at the car dealership that backs onto the ground. Access is through a purpose built wooden structure and a turnstile off the car park that brings you into the corner of the ground. Immediately to your right as you enter is the clubhouse, snack bar and toilet block. Alonside this is a covered standing spectator area, behind which are the players and officials changing blocks. The dugouts are also on this side of the pitch. On the opposite side there is a small covered seating area, with hard-standing running around three sides of the ground. The pitch looked to be pretty flat and in a decent state considering it was the end of a long, hard season. A nice, tidy ground with rolling hills in the background giving it a rural feel.
Ground Number: 409
Att:
Entrance: £5.00
Programme: N/A
RSS Feed