Motors drive on in Shield

Sep 12 2008 Chester Chronicle

Motors drive on in Shield

Hyde Utd 1 Vauxhall M 2

MOTORS progressed to the second round of the Setanta Shield on Monday after netting twice in a frantic nine-minute spell.

The Ellesmere Port side, missing a couple of first team regulars through work, still put in a strong performance against hosts Hyde and fully deserved their win.

Pat McFadden opened the scoring on 18 minutes after Karl Noon had threatened twice with efforts.

Just five minutes later, Hyde had restored parity as a penalty, disputed by the visitors, was converted by Matt Tipton.

But on 27 minutes, Noon finally got the rub of the green as he pounced on a loose ball to fire past the Hyde keeper.

Motors could have had more goals. A huge appeal for handball inside the Hyde box was turned down just before the break and, despite the hosts pressing in the second half, Motors never looked uncomfortable.

James Coates was the hero of the half, however, executing an acrobatic save in the top-right corner to deny a Hyde header which would have taken the game to extra time.

“It was a wonderful save,” said Motors chairman Alan Bartlam. “All the lads played really well and we are on a real roll now.”

Vauxhall: Coates, Owens, Egerton, Holden, Griffiths, Holmes, Noon, Burke, McFadden, Nelson, Noone (Brannan 69). Subs: Wright, Hannigan.

Motors, whose home match against Blyth Spartans on Saturday was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, will entertain Hinckley United tomorrow as Carl Macauley’s men look for their third consecutive victory (3pm).

“There is an air of optimism around the club at the moment,” said Bartlam. “The team are looking stronger than last year’s and I genuinely feel that there are a number of teams this year who are not as good as we are.

“We have struggled in the league ever since we won promotion but with the players we have here this could be our best campaign yet.”