Shawdale 6 - 2 Royton Raptors

It’s a Merry Christmas For Shawdale, As They End The Year In Style…….. HO HO HO!!!!!!

Shawdale ended the year on a high with a convincing win over neighbours Royton in the first round of the Challenge Cup. This was mainly down to a Man Of The Match Performance by Ben Holmes and a great all round first half performance. Were the home side took control from the outset and never looked like losing by half time.

On a wet pitch, Shawdale soon took control when Wriggers sent over an innocuous cross that totally caught the visitors keeper out of position and the ball rolled into the net, to the surprise of both teams.

The second, when the ‘Rock Of Ireland’ cut through the visitors defence only to be pulled down in the box. Durrant smashed the penalty home.

Shawdale on a role now, breaking at will, then a blistering strike from 25yrd from Holmes which deflected off the defenders leg to break the visitors hearts.

‘The Rock’ again was in on the action as he was pushed in the back for a penalty to be awarded, which he put away himself.

The Rock again was instrumental in the fifth, as he guided the ball down with his chest, to leave Durrant one on one with the keeper, who slotted it home for his brace.

Just on half time, a lack of concentration in their own box, gave the ball away, a cross came in and was headed home for a 5-1 lead at half time for the home side.

The home side took their foot off the gas in the second period. Ben Holmes got yellow carded and found himself in the sin bin, for kicking the ball away, so the home side were down to ten men.

Then on 80 minutes Eastmond went in a bit hard in the penalty area and the referee awarded the penalty.

5-2 with ten minutes left. But Shawdale had the last laugh as that man ‘The Rock ‘again played a delightful ball to Durrant who hit a power driver to complete his hat trick.

Wylie was pleased with todays result and now has given the lads a ten day break, but warned them not to enjoy the festive season to much, as they still have a title to fight for.