Ellesmere Rangers enjoyed one of the best night’s in the club’s history when they defied the odds to lift the Shropshire County Challenge Cup.
The underdogs caused a big surprise by toppling Unibond League Market Drayton Town 3-1 in Tuesday’s final at the Prostar Stadium.
“The lads were fantastic but I would swap it for the West Midlands League title,” said Ellesmere’s proud Shrewsbury-based boss Matt Burton. “I’m delighted for the people who have been at the club for so long and I always thought we had a chance if we played well and got at them.”
Gary Meredith latched on to a through ball from Rob Dean to fire Ellesmere into an early lead and it was quickly 2-0 when Drayton keeper Steve Taylor turned an Andy Reeve corner into his own net.
Martyn Davies pulled one back at the start of the second half but Ellesmere made sure when Kenny Paul picked out Nathan Leonard and the son of former Shrewsbury Town man Carleton finished well.
Meanwhile, SHAWBURY UNITED remain deep in relegation trouble at the foot of the West Midland League premier division following a 3-2 defeat at Tividale on Tuesday despite a brace from Dan Graham.
“We probably deserved to win the game but sloppy defending cost us,” said Shawbury boss Craig Rogers.
By Stuart Dunn