Shepshed Dynamo get back to winning ways at last
TOTAL MOTION MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE SHEPSHED DYNAMO 2 SPORTING KHALSA 1
SHEPSHED Dynamo battled to a hardfought win over Sporting Khalsa in a match full of controversy on a blustery afternoon at the Dovecote.
Damion Beckford-Quailey’s side got off to the perfect start, taking the lead with an excellent goal after nine minutes as Celson Patrocinio glanced a fine header into the corner of the net to hand his side the advantage.
However, a red card dealt the home side’s hopes of ending a run of three consecutive defeats a significant blow on 25 minutes.
The referee, perhaps harshly, sent defender Chris Acott off after deeming his challenge on Khalsa’s Alex Perry overzealous.
This prompted Beckford-Quailey to withdraw Patrocinio and throw on Josh Thomas, who took up the left-back position.
The remainder of the half was rather nondescript. Shepshed held firm. Sporting failed to create a clear opportunity to restore parity.
After a comfortable first half, Dynamo had to withstand a frenetic start to the second.
Brandon Ganley, who impressed in the reverse fixture between the two sides, produced two terrific saves in succession to keep his side’s lead intact.
Shepshed were then handed a big boost when the referee levelled things up. Sporting defender Adam Osbourne received a second yellow card after fell-
ing Pearson Mwanyongo on 59 minutes.
They capitalised upon this 14 minutes later with another incisive breakaway.
Melbourne and Karl Whymark split the Khalsa defence open with a slick exchange of passes. The striker kept his composure and guided, with aplomb, a measured shot into the bottom corner.
But the game was far from over. Ganley had to produce good saves to keep out Khalsa’s Josh Thomas and Dan Westwood as time ebbed away.
And when Holdcroft latched onto a direct ball and fired home from inside the box, a nervy finish ensued.
However, a resolute Shepshed held on for the three points. Ganley produced further good saves to deny Rico Taylor and Dave Meese before the last blast of the referee’s whistle.
Each and every Shepshed player played his heart out for the team for a victory that elevated them to third place in the Midland Football League table.
Having returned to winning ways, Dynamo will now look forward to their next fixture, which sees them host Dunkirk on February 23.