by Drew Robertson
Matlock & District Football League’s Shirland Miners Welfare marched into the quarter-finals of the Derbyshire Junior Cup North with a 4-2 penalties victory against Woolley Moor United.
It was the sixth attempt to play this g
ame and despite the perfect conditions, both teams started slowly due to the long enforced weather lay-off.
For long stages in the first-half Shirland toiled against their opponents but when it mattered they found that extra ingredient to keep Woolley Moor United at bay.
It was a controversial goal that separated the teams at half-time, when Shirland's keeper Daz Shaw was fouled by an on-rushing striker who netted while Shaw lay injured on the ground. Despite him needing five minutes of treatment, the goal stood.
After the break Shirland battled for every ball with Richard Hill standing out the most in defence with a fantastic display. Shirland’s goal came from Ian Hursthouse whose movement was intelligent and natural. His physical presence was too strong for Woolley Moor and his goal showed instinct and calm.
With one minute left on the clock injured keeper Shaw pulled off a superb reflex save to send the tie into extra-time, which ended in a stalemate.
Goals came from Paul Hardy, Richard Harrison, Steven Wright and Hursthouse, coupled with great saves from keeper Shaw, to earn the 4-2 penatlies victory.
The weather played a role with a host of games called off, but in the only Manor Pharmacy Shield encounter Darley Dale Lions were knocked out by Hilcote United in a 4-2 away defeat.
Darley goals came from Ashley Webster and Liam Keeton, while Hilcote reap their rewards thanks to Ant Butler, Dean Guy and Daniel Noakes (2) strikes.
Six Matlock Town Youth goals grabbed the three league points against Harveys Bar.
There was a hat-trick for Scott Martin whose first added to a Harveys own goal to go into the break 2-0 up. He bagged a brace in the second-half while Tom Jackson and Alex Crossley got on the scoresheet before Martyn Taylor netted for the visitors.
Manor Pharmacy Shield action this weekend includes: Kings Arms v Black Hippo, Laburnum Saints v Tibshelf Community, Shirland Miners Welfare v Riddings Rovers.
League: Ashbourne v AFC Lea Holloway, Matlock Town Youth v Hilcote United, Harveys v Darley Dale Lions.
