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SUPER SUB SHELLEY SINKS SAINTS

SUPER SUB SHELLEY SINKS SAINTS

Steve Reynolds27 Nov 2013 - 12:16
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An extra-time goal from Dan Shelley gave Blues a famous victory over FA Cup giant killers and Conference North front runners Brackley Town in the FA Trophy.

It was only eight days since the Northamptonshire side beat League One Gillingham in the FA Cup First Round but Leek thoroughly deservedly their victory over a team plying their trade two divisions above.

Lee Casswell’s evening did not start well however with Ryan Dicker ruled out through sickness and then he lost fellow central defender Andy Bratt who had to come off just ten minutes into the game.

However Paul Donnelly and Reece Swetnam both came in and performed admirably in a defence that restricted the Saints to little in the way of clear-cut opportunities.

Blues had much the better of the opening half and deservedly took the lead after 38 minutes when an exquisite through ball from Sam Hall put John Johnston in the clear and he cooly slotted home low past Billy Turley in the visitors goal.

Brackley got their first shot on target on 40 minutes but Ben Chapman saved well with his legs.

The Saints made two half-time substitutes in a bid to pep up their attacking play and they almost levelled on 55 minutes. Chapman made a double block but the third effort was chipped over him, however Anthony Danylyk was on hand to head off the line.

Leek were still looking dangerous and Niall Maguire broke down the left but no one was on hand to convert his cross, then Johnston has a shot punched away for a corner.

Brackley drew level on 81 minutes when a corner was nodded down despite Blues protests for a foul and Owen Story volleyed home from 15 yards giving Chapman no chance.

Two minutes later Leek were almost back ahead but Turley pulled off a stunning save to claw away the ball from under the crossbar.

The scores remained level at 90 minutes and the game went extra-time. Maguire had the only real chance of the first period but on the stretch he couldn’t keep his shot down and it went over the bar.

Brackley almost went ahead at the start of the second period but a toe poked effort went just wide of the post.

The winner came in the 111th minute when a corner was cleared back out to the taker, Matt Bell. His deep cross was headed back across goal by Andy Kinsey and Dan Shelley was on hand to bundle the ball home from close range to spark scenes of wild celebration.

The remainder of the game was comfortably seen out without alarm as Blues went on to record arguably their best result in the FA Trophy since reaching the final in 1990.

Team:

1. Ben Chapman
2. Danny Smith
3. Matt Bell
4. Paul Donnelly
5. Andy Bratt (14. Reece Swetnam, 9)
6. Sam Hall
7. Anthony Danylyk
8. Niall Maguire
9. Andy Kinsey
10. Jordan Johnson (16. Dan Shelley, 66)
11. John Johnston

Unused subs: 12. Mitch Husbands, 15. Tim Grice, 17. Joe Evans

Attendance: 236

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