Report

Shotton Steel were crowned champions of North East Wales today after an epic 2 - 0 victory over Garden Village YFC. It was Shotton Steel's fist appearance in a major final and there was a great sense of tension and anticipation before kick off.

Shotton started the game brightly and looked to start on the offensive, but they saw there long range efforts immediately closed down by the Garden Village defence. Garden Village withstood Shotton's bright start and grew into the game as it continued. Garden Villages first real attempt came from a free kick 20 yards from goal, but Shotton goalkeeper Jordan Manley watched the ball sail a yard over the bar.


Chances were few and far between in the first half with the majority of play being held in the midfield area. Thomas Bibby and George Rathbone battled bravely against a very strong and fit Garden Village midfield. However Shotton broke the deadlock with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Some brilliant defensive work from Alex Goundrey put Shotton on the counter attack and the ball found Andy Jones. The forward showed terrific pace and strength to hold off the Garden Village defenders before cooly looping the ball over the helpless Garden Village goalkeeper and into the back of the net. 

Shotton had siezed the initiative and needed to ensure they made it to the interval with their lead in tact. Garden Village were close to equalising just before half time straight from a corner. However keeper Jordan Manley pulled off a miraculous save somehow clawing the ball from underneath the bar and helping it over the cross bar. Shotton went into half time with a 1 - 0 lead.

Shotton came out in the second half knowing that keeping a clean sheet for another 35 minutes would see them crowned champions at the end of the game. Garden Village started the second half as the brighter side and looked to grab an early equaliser, however they wasted two decent goalscoring opportunities, blazing the ball wide.

Shotton doubled their lead midway through the second half. Winger Iuean Rowe put in a superb cross which found Jack Chambers at the back post who produced an emphatic finish putting Shotton in pole position.

Shotton had to withstand more pressure from Garden Village in the last ten minutes but the back four and defensive midfielder William Leonard fought courageously and displayed great resistance to keep Garden Village at bay. With just minutes remaining Jordan Manley was forced into yet another great save, when he parried a long range effort away from goal. Shotton almost snatched a third in stoppage time when George Rathbones effort from a tight angle came back off the post.

Seconds later the full time whistle went, and the Shotton players and fans erupted into celebration. The long wait for silverware was finally over and they had their hands on a major trophy. Shotton skipper Thomas Bibby lifted the North East Wales trophy to huge cheers.

 A massive well done to every single player. Its been an incredible cup run and the trophy is thoroughly deserved

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