Shepshed Dynamo 3 NKF Burbage 0

Shepshed stroll to Vase victory By Lucas Monk

Shepshed Dynamo progressed into the fourth round of the FA Vase after a comfortable home victory over NKF Burbage.

Joe Pheasant, Sam Moore and Karl Whymark were all on target for Dynamo, who are now unbeaten in 16 matches.

Damion Beckford-Quailey made one change to the team that defeated Long Eaton United last time out. Luke Day replaced Jordan Wakeling at right-back.

Shepshed had won their last 11 matches ahead of this game, but Burbage, of the Midland League Division One, held their own in the early stages.

The hosts enjoyed their first real foray forward on 13 minutes. Liam Hurst flicked on Chris Acott's lofted ball. Pearson Mwanyongo seized upon it and beat his marker before seeing his cross blocked.

Dynamo then had something of a scare. Day lost possession with a careless pass in his own half. Alex Coultas was first to react and he cut inside before shooting wide of the mark. A let-off.

Thereafter, Shepshed grew into the match as it progressed.

There was a sort of metronomic accumulation of confidence on their part. With each pass they became more attuned to their circumstances. A little akin to how one becomes, gradually, used to the icy water of a swimming pool after clambering in.

Warmed, they started kicking.

On the half hour, Liam Hurst stroked a corner into the box. Jake Betts glanced a header over.

A minute later, Mwanyongo chanced his arm. He darted toward goal and drew a good save from Burbage's Alec Hill with a low, curling strike from outside the box.

Dynamo continued to chip away with the dutifulness of a dour craftsman.

They got their reward for this diligence on the stroke of half-time.

Again, Hurst made plain his penchant for the creative with an excellent free kick delivery from the right. And Pheasant, unmarked, planted a powerful header beyond Hill to open the scoring.

Dour craftsman are some of the most admirable people. They are austere with themselves. They strive for perfection. They long to get it right.

It was clear that the dour craftsman of Shepshed felt that a one-goal lead did not do them justice. They refused to relent. They continued to pour their heart and soul into their work.

After the break, Mwanyongo arched a rasping shot onto the crossbar before his team doubled their money just four minutes into the half.

Whymark cleared a Burbage free kick upfield.

Matt Melbourne seized upon the loose ball.

He then found Mwanyongo, who crossed the ball into the box.

An opposing defender almost headed it into his own net, but Moore followed in to score his 11th goal of a productive season.

Matters would only get worse for a beleagured Burbage side.

In the 74th minute, Mitchell Barwick received a second yellow card for a reckless lunge on Dynamo substitute Celson Patrocinio.

And events got worse still for the away side when Nathan Astill sent Melbourne tumbling to the ground a minute later.

This handed the hosts a penalty and Whymark the chance to put the result beyond all doubt.

He didn't shirk the responsibility, and slotted a composed shot into the bottom corner to make certain of Shepshed's success.

There was little action of note thereafter. Dynamo spent the rest of the match controlling possession and conserving their energy.

They were good value for this win. It was an efficient dismantling of a team many had expected to provide stern opposition. In the end, it was a most comfortable afternoon for Damion Beckford-Quailey's team.

They grew into the match as the first half progressed. And once Pheasant had opened the scoring, they did not look back. Where they were serene, Burbage were barbarous.

Moore and Mwanyongo attacked with flair down the flanks. Hurst, Whymark and Niall Prenderville controlled proceedings in the centre.

Melbourne’s industry was crucial in creating space for his teammates. The rearguard conceded very little, and Acott’s frequent runs on the left were a great outlet.

Overall, Shepshed’s comparative ease on the ball said much of the gulf in quality between the two teams. They will now look to Monday's draw for the fourth round.
They then face a crucial league match away to third-placed Walsall Wood on Saturday. It shall be a difficult task, but Dynamo are on a great run and will be confident of avenging the 2-1 reverse they suffered to the Wood earlier in the season.

Dynamo: Ganley, Day, Pheasant, Betts, Acott, Mwanyongo (Patrocinio 72’), Hurst, Prenderville, Whymark (Phillips 83’), Moore, Melbourne (Roome 76’).

Unused substitutes: Doy, Wakeling.

Burbage: Hill, Whitehurst (Gardener 70’), Kind, Barwick, Ball (Pickering 86’), Astill, Adcock, Cheshire, Brown, Smith, Coultas (Wakefield 77’).

Unused substitutes: Atkinson, Green.

Booked: Whymark (Shepshed). Ball, Barwick (x2) (Burbage).

Attendance: 241
(Picture taken by Chris Simpson - Thank you!)