County CupsShropshire Sunday Challenge Cup Report
Monday, 12 May 2008.
Brick Rangers 04 managed an amazing comeback to lift the Shropshire Sunday Challenge Cup at Shrewsbury Town FC yesterday afternoon.
Trailing 3-1 at half-time to Shrewsbury Sunday League rivals Reman, they netted twice in the second half as striker Bret Taylor completed his-hat-trick to force extra-time.
Almost all of the additional half-hour had then been played – but with a penalty shoot-out just 90 seconds away, Simon Phillips scored from close range to secure a 4-3 victory.
In an enthralling contest, played in sweltering conditions throughout, Taylor struck after just four minutes to give Brick an early lead and with chances coming thick and fast at both ends, Reman were back on level terms in the 25th minute when Nick Jones equalised by side-footing home from 10 yards.
The game swung in favour of Reman in the 43rd minute when Kevin Price scored with fierce 20 yard drive – and they looked to have one hand on the trophy when Brian Herbert made it 3-1 on the stroke of half-time.
With no option other than chase the game in the baking heat, Brick rallied and Taylor reduced the arrears on the hour – and then with 14 minutes remaining he made no mistake when he shot past Reman ‘keeper Alex Richards from 12 yards.
Richards then denied Taylor with a fine diving save and with extra-time fast-approaching, Brick goalkeeper Andy Hill made important stops from Craig Swain and Dan Price.
But then with extra-time all but done, Steven Heath nodded a corner into the goalmouth where Phillips was on hand to smash the ball home and finally decided the outcome.
Both sides emerged with enormous credit from the game – as did referee Andy Johnson who also produced a fine display.