Quorn make the most of ‘home’ advantage
TOTAL MOTION MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE SHEPSHED DYNAMO 1
QUORN 3 QUORN were without midfield duo, Darious Darkin and Nathan Dale for this local derby that was switched to Farley Way, after the recent wet weather had left the Dovecote ground unplayable.
Skipper Ryan Seal returned after missing last week’s victory at Long Eaton United and youngster Billy Howard started only his second game, in an otherwise unchanged line-up.
After the initial opening exchanges, Seal played a fine ball for Ryan Evans to go clear, but Karl Whymark got back to make a smart interception.
Both sides were looking to attack at every opportunity but both defences were on top and restricted any clear-cut chances. Rob Mulonga broke into the box and went down under a challenge from Whymark, but the referee waved away Quorn’s appeals. Josh Hill put in a fine cross that had Daniel Brenan back peddling to make a fine headed clearance.
Shepshed took the lead in the 23rd minute, Liam Read received the ball and wrong footed two Quorn players before rifling his shot past a startled Haydn Whitcombe. Shepshed were inspired by the goal and exerted pressure but the Quorn defence held firm. Bowerman fired wide for Quorn and Shay Brennan did likewise for the visitors with the lively Read firing wide as half-time approached.
Quorn had a second shout for a penalty when Seal went down under a challenge but again the official was having none of it. Shepshed were having to defend as Quorn improved and on 65 minutes they snatched the equaliser, Evans was challenged unfairly just outside the box and Seal floated a fine delivery for Daniel Brenan to knock past Denham Hinds from close range.
Sean Williams came on for Quorn and was soon in the action, forcing two corners in quick succession but Shepshed defended both, equally as well.
A superb tackle from Lawrence Gorman prevented Read going clear at the other end before Quorn were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute. Dominic Brennan was adjudged to have been brought down and Bowerman fired low into the corner to put Quorn ahead for the first time in the match.
Shay Brennan’s long-range strike wasn’t far over the bar but Whitcombe looked to have it covered anyway, as Shepshed searched for a leveller. There was a greater intensity about Quorn’s play now and although they didn’t have it all their own way, it was on the cards that a third goal was in sight and skipper Seal capitalised on a bit of hesitancy at the back following Isaac Cooper’s diagonal ball, nipping in between goalkeeper and defender to walk the ball into the unguarded net to clinch the three points.