Shelf FC accept Invitation

Fledgling club Shelf FC claimed their first trophy with a shock 2-0 success over Ryburn United Reserves in Friday’s Ricky O’Brien Invitation Cup final.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2014, 20:46 BST
Shelf FC, winners of the Invitation CupShelf FC, winners of the Invitation Cup
Shelf FC, winners of the Invitation Cup

They started underdogs against opponents from two divisions higher at Natty Lane, Illingworth but the second-season side looked the more determined from the off, never allowing Ryburn to settle.

The game was only ten minutes old when a deep cross from the right was collected out on the left by Liam Kearns, who produced a glorious lob from 20 yards out to put Shelf ahead.

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Rick Bottomley was Ryburn’s play-maker but despite his efforts Ryburn were having little success.

Alex Conroy was a constant threat for Shelf and long throws from Ben Burns were making life difficult for Ryburn.

Most of the tackles were being won by Shelf and when Ryburn did win the ball they were failing to make good use of it.

Full Back Jake Finch started to get forward more as Ryburn tried to get into the game.

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Shelf showed signs of tiring in the last 15 minutes but man of the match Burns was superb, along with Josh King at the heart of their defence as Ryburn pinned them back.

The decisive goal came two minutes from time when Ryburn, pushing for an equaliser, were caught on the break and substitute Jonathan Aaron raced clear before unselfishly squaring the ball to Burns, who slotted into an empty net.

Ryburn United Res: M.Hirst, J.Finch, J.Mosey, J.Brown, G.Robertshaw, N.Powell, A.Shaw, R.Bottomley, J.Thompson, R.Redhead, M.Powell. Subs: J.Clissett, C.Redhead

Shelf FC; E.Daly, A.Fox, N.Charlton, L.Kearns, B.Burns, J.King, D.Phipps, J.Hartley, A.Conroy, G.Boldy, H.Talbot. Subs: J.Aaron, S.Dunwell, I.Hartley.

Referee: 1.Childs

Related topics:Ben Burns