Shropshire Cup @ Lilleshall – Saturday 10th September 2011
Despite drawing both their matches in this year’s Shropshire Cup competition for smaller clubs, Whitchurch Men came last overall, losing both games on penalty flicks and surrendering their title of last season.
The Men could only field ten players for the first match against Market Drayton, but secured a 2-2 draw, playing some disciplined and spirited hockey. Afer Drayton went one up from open play, Ryan Dulson equalised from a metre out after a counter-attack saw Michael Lawledge-Evans slip the ball past the keeper.
Whitchurch went ahead before half time when captain Lee Davies converted a short corner with a fine drag flick. However, Drayton were back on level terms half way through the second half through a penalty corner of their own, and Whitchurch did well to see out the last ten minutes of the game with only nine men on the pitch after Ben Lee was yellow carded for breaking down play.
The result was decided through penalty flicks, with Whitchurch losing 4-2 after only Chris Ruscoe and Colin Hayward managed to convert. This saw Drayton go through to play Oswestry, who had managed a one-nil victory over Ludlow, in the final.
In the play-off for third and fourth positions, Whitchurch were back to a full team, but put in a nervous and lacklustre display against an energetic Ludlow side. Despite being repeatedly caught in possession, Whitchurch had more clear cut chances to score than their opponents, but failed to convert any of the opportunities. At the other end Ludlow put considerable pressure on the Whitchurch D, and keeper Trevor Troth was kept busy in clearing the area and making a number of good reaction saves.
When Ludlow lost a player to a yellow card, Whitchurch created a couple of promising chances but were unable to exploit the advantage, before losing Dulson to a yellow, again for breaking down the play. In the penalty flick decider, Whitchurch again lost 4-2, with only Hayward and Davies managing to score.
The Shropshire Cup was won by Market Drayton, following a 3-1 victory over Oswestry in the final.
Forgot to add…when asked for his opinion on the performance against Ludlow, captain Lee Davies said something that can’t be quoted.