REPORT: Shepshed Dynamo 1-1 Quorn
A point at the Dovecote took Quorn to 100 for the season, but it could have been more for a Reds side that played against 10 men for 70 minutes. Shepshed’s number one, Dan Wallis, saw red for a rash challenge on Paddy Webb, and with no substitute keeper on the bench midfielder Jordan Fankwe donned the gloves.
Fankwe’s first task was picking the ball out of his own net, when Billy Kee’s free kick took a deflection and flew past the wrong-footed midfielder. Dynamo had started the match well, and had a much-changed Quorn line-up under pressure from the off. Wallis’ dismissal changed the dynamic and the Reds took control for the next 20 minutes, but failed to turn their dominance into chances. Jack Samples managed the only other shot on target in the first half as Shepshed weathered the storm.
The second half was a different story as Dynamo pushed for an equaliser, hitting the post in the early exchanges. The hosts deservedly levelled, with just over 20 minutes to play, through Louis Samuels, and almost found a winner shortly afterwards as the Reds were caught playing out from the back.
Quorn eventually woke from their slumber and regained a foothold in the match. Webb attempted to lob Fankwe from 30 yards out, but the makeshift keeper proved equal to the effort. The best move of the second half saw Quorn turn defence into attack, moving the ball quickly and breaking forward. Zak Goodson got on the end of the sweeping move but shot narrowly wide.
Goodson was involved again moments later, swinging a ball across the front of goal, where the slightest touch would have found a winner, but the ball eluded everyone and curled just wide of the post. It was an uncharacteristic performance for Ryan Beswick’s side and will definitely feel like a missed opportunity.
Despite the disappointing draw, Quorn completed an unbeaten league season away from home. In their twenty trips this season, the Reds have won seventeen and drawn three, conceding just nine goals. The stalemate also stretched Quorn’s current unbeaten run to 14 matches. The Reds finish the season at home to Lye Town on Saturday (3pm KO).