Shield final goes to shoot-out

At Dereham's Aldiss Park Gressenhall won the Fen Regis Invitation Shield in a penalty shoot-out against Hethersett from Division Four, a young team who had already claimed other Division One scalps.

At Dereham's Aldiss Park Gressenhall won the Fen Regis Invitation Shield in a penalty shoot-out against Hethersett from Division Four, a young team who had already claimed other Division One scalps.

Smith and Escritt went close before Josh Reynolds smashed a great 20-yard half-volley over the top of the Hethersett keeper.

Hethersett found the back four of Wales, Roberson, Rice and Sparrow coping well. Then a minute before half-time a corner led to a Hethersett equaliser.

Second half Hethersett made few chances until a cross-cum-shot caught Woods off his line, and as he parried the ball away the striker was on hand to put it in the net.

Hobbs, Long, Josh and Jamie E all upped their work rate trying to set Stan, Smith and Midge free on goal. Strong penalty appeals were waved away. With 15 minutes left, a great five-pass move put Stan through to make it 2-2.

Manager Razor took off Smith and Sparrow, replacing them with Gould and Mason, who both gave the team a new lease of life, but a winner could not be found.

Extra time led to penalties. Midge, Josh and Escritt all netted. Hobbs crashed his kick against the bar but Woods saved the next penalty, and Gould set up sudden death penalties. Mason and Wales scored, then after Woods had saved his second penalty of the night, Tom Roberson blasted in his kick to give Hall the win.

A great team performance, dedicated to reserve team coach Phil, who sadly lost his father the week before.

MoM: The gaffer, Razor Beals, for his inspirational team talks and tactics.