JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL
Shirley Park 0 Glenthorne United B 1
A wonder strike from Craig Sandford helped Glenthorne B stay on course for a league and cup double with a hard fought victory over Shirley Park at Gladstone Park.
The Glenthorne joint-player-manager took his tally to 27 league and cup goals this season with the decisive moment to lead the Thornes back to winning ways and beat Shirley for a fourth time this season.
A delighted Sandford told JC Sport: "Playing Shirley for the fourth time was always going to be a tight game. They knew what we do and we know what they do. There was nothing to split the teams as usual, but again our persistence and a moment of brilliance was the difference.
"They wanted it more in the first half and dominated the ball but still didn’t create any clear-cut chances.
"Second half saw us do the pressing and we were camped in there half. Both teams defended brilliantly and only one goal was the difference.
"We now have to make sure our hard work doesn’t go to waste. Looking forward to NWN on Sunday."
Shirley player-manager Dave Lusman told JC Sport: "We controlled the first half but started to faded in the later second."
Lusman went on to explain why his walking wounded fought valiantly to the end. He said: "Gideon Gold (lower back) shouldn't have played, Dan Mitman fever again shouldn't have played and Adam Redhouse (calf) couldn't move.
"Our right side of the pitch were at walking pace and with no subs the rest of us were unable to cover, so Glenthorne were just practically walking thought the right.
"We could have done with this fixture a week or two later, missing Stefan Benfredj, Sacha Benfredj, El Green, Nicky Plotnek, Lee, Ian, Sam and Gids who wasn't fit to run. putting everything in.
"It was a good show from the Park with the lads who were available, on a terrible pitch that hasn't done as any favours this season. It's completely unpredictable.
"Ilan Shaki takes all plaudits for man of the match, and a good strike from Sanford."
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