Haslingden 1 Euxton Villa 2

21sth October 2006

 AMATEUR SHIELD QUARTER FINAL

Villa progressed to the Semi-Final of the Lancs Amateur Shield, when, against all the odds they travelled to second in the league Haslingden and came away with a fine 2-1 victory. Manager Mark McDonnell had to dig deep into his injury depleted squad, and reserve team players drafted in to fill the void proved more than equal to the task when called upon.

Euxton were on top for the first twenty minutes, with near misses from Alfie Guttridge and David Mason.  Stiart Bingham had to come off in the thirteenth minute with a tight hamstring and was replaced by Ryan Lilley. This caused a tactical switch to allow for the changes. Euxton remained on top for the rest of the half and went in all square at 0-0. 

Capt. Paul Loughlin had to be replaced at half time, having suffered a dead leg, and his place was taken by Tom Whittaker. Euxton carried on their good work and were rewarded on 60 mins when Ross Dickinson rose to head the ball home from a corner .

Haslingden then began to chase the game and found success in the 70th min when a controversial free kick was deflected past Justin Johnston to make the score 1-1.

With extra time approaching Villa were awarded a corner which resulted in a foul by the keeper, and after sending him off , the referee awarded Euxton a penalty. With everybody holding their breath, up stepped Mr Reliable Sam Bolton, who sent the keeper the wrong way, and sent Euxton into the Semi-Final for the first time in their history, a tremendous team performance . 

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