Saturday we were back at The Transcare Arena as we hosted 6th place FCV Grace Dieu in yet another big UCL Division 1 league clash between 2 sides fighting for the play-off places.

The Shiners got off to the perfect start, completing a 10/15 pass move with a great finish. The ball was worked out to Marc Bright who drilled a low ball into the box, Mason Booth-Davis got on the end of it finishing through the keepers legs putting us 1-0 up after 5 minutes. After 12 minutes it was Normo on the front foot again with Marc Bright driving through the middle, unleashing a great strike on goal with the away keeper parrying over the bar for a corner. There was little more action in the first half with the away side growing into the game before the break after The Shiners lightning start.

Second half was more of the same with the away side looking the better of the 2 sides. Albie White picked up a yellow card on 52 minutes after a heavy challenge in the middle. After 59 minutes Billy Whitehead was withdrawn with a knock, Josh Pickering came on down the left side. After 64 minutes Marc Bright was replaced by the return of last season's top scorer Sam Kelly who is finally back after a long injury. Sam nearly scores immediately with Josh Pickering doing brilliantly playing a great ball through to Sam Kelly who tried to poke past the keeper however it was a good save to keep the scores level. 71 minutes Brendon Tuckwood who had an excellent game, was replaced by Kane Snell as we looked to push for a second goal. 77 minutes in, the away side were awarded a penalty & managed to convert with Jerell Sellars calmly passing the ball into the net from the spot levelling the scores up to 1-1. 86 minutes as The Shiners continued to push, the Grace Dieu left back had trouble dealing with Mason Booth-Davis on the right hand side, bringing Mason down for the second time, receiving his second yellow card of the game taking the away side down to 10 men for the last 10 or so minutes. With 5 minutes indicated by the referee for added time, both sides looked to nick a winner. Ross Hardy played a ball down the right for Mason Booth-Davis who crossed in for Sam Kelly however Sam was unable to keep his effort down, firing over the target. With pretty much the last kick of the game, the away side countered a Shiners corner, getting their shot away hitting the post before The Shiners defence were eventually able to clear.

Attendance - 123 - Thanks for your support!

MOTM was Ash Radmore for his ever solid defensive performance at the heart of the defence. Thanks as always to Debbie & Kev for sponsoring.

Next up we travel to Swallownest on Saturday 6th December in what will be another tough game.

#COYS #Shiners