Match report by Connor Yates.

TD’s Cup calamity as they’re dismantled by Rudgwick:

Hopes were high at the start of this fixture. And in fairness, they had all reason to look forward to this game.

TD Shipley’s Second team have been in remarkable form in the league and they were coming up against not only a team in the division above, but who are also fighting for promotion. A statement victory could have been achieved but also a real taste of what the division above will be like.

The lads started strong, with great pressure against Rudgwick and causing problems to their Fall-Backs, with their number 15 getting an early yellow card after stopping a clear opportunity to be through on the wing. Ryan Murphy was controlling the midfield and getting away from 2 or even 3 midfielders multiple times.

However, early warnings were shown as the opponents hit the crossbar. And only 5 minutes later, a bullet throw-in was placed into the box and with a well improvised volley going over Harry Charman, the visitors took a 1-0 lead.

TD are more than capable of coming back from a goal down, however they were caught off guard once again and with a well placed cross, the visitors doubled their lead. It seemed that all hope was shattered, and the opposition caught on to their weakness. As moments after, they scored once again from a corner. Making it 3-0 in just under 35 minutes. With all of their goals coming from crosses or throw-ins.

Not much else happened in the rest of the first half as TD steadied the ship until half time.

Starting the second half, it seemed the lads needed the team talk as there was a clear vision for the first 25 or so minutes. Good communication, stopping their attacking flow, however they couldn’t turn that into goals or even attacking opportunities.

It seemed TD was lost and failing to make that final pass. Harry Charman once again was making some brilliant saves to not make the scoreline an embarrassing number. Yet he could only do so much, as miscommunication from the back line set their striker clean on through to make it 4-0.

All hope seemed lost, and with the opponents taking a step back and relaxing, we were able to snatch some opportunities, however none could be converted.

After a minimum of 5 minutes added time, the referee blew his whistle with the final score being 4-0 to Rudgwick.

The gaffer, Stuart Powell had a few words to say about his teams performance:

“The TD team on display this Saturday was not the one that has turned out for previous games this season. To continue the march towards league success . The TD players need to get their shirts back from the impostors who wore them, at Ifield today”

MOM Harry Charman