County CupsChallenge Cup Final Report
Tuesday, 06 May 2008.
For the second time in 12 months a Shropshire County League team upset the form book to lift the Shropshire Challenge Cup.
Last May Telford Juniors defeated recently-crowned West Midland Premier Division champions Shifnal Town – and last night it was the turn of Shifnal United 97 to over turn the odds, as they scored a 1-0 over this season’s West Midland League Premier Division winners Bridgnorth Town at Shrewsbury Town FC.
For long periods the County League Premier Division outfit had to withstand long spells of Bridgnorth pressure – but ultimately secured victory with a 35th minute goal from Nick Andrew.
For Bridgnorth it was a night of frustration as they found the Shifnal defence – in which centre half Mike Flavell was outstanding – in determined mood and when they did find a way through were met by goalkeeper Anthony O’Connor, who made a number of fine saves.
O’Connor had already distinguished himself with vital saves from Jason Pike and Darren Leonard, before Shifnal went ahead against the run of play ten minutes before the break.
When Bridgnorth goalkeeper Steve Jones was unable to hold a Tim Holt corner, Andrew was on hand to force the ball home from close range.
After the break Shifnal continued to hold Bridgnorth at bay, but it needed more good work from O’Connor and a last ditch block from Andy Davies to keep the West Midland League side out.
But with Bridgnorth committed to finding a leveller, there was opportunity for Shifnal to put the outcome beyond all doubt in the closing stages, but Chris Henry saw his goal-bound shot blocked by Bridgnorth substitute Mark Wells, while Mark Neville cleared off the line from Gavin Stewart.