Event:	The semi final of the Saturday Shield against Uppingham F.C.
Date:	15th February 2003
Details:

Queniborough F.C. were about to enter into one of the biggest game of the clubs history, the semi final of the Saturday Shield against Uppingham F.C. The squad met at Queniborough’s ground for the pre match briefing from Glynn Hartop, the clubs manager, and by the time Glynn and all his backroom staff had spoken to all players and calmed any pre match nerves it was off to Ashfordby Amateurs, the venue for the game. The facilities at Ashfordby were commendable and all players were pleased with the state of the pitch considering the heavy rains and frost. The manager knew this was going to be a day to remember, one way or another, and if the truths known the players did too. The players were told to go and chill out so they all went to the clubhouse and spirits seemed to be running high. Meanwhile back in the changing rooms the kit was being laid out, music was playing and Queniborough F.C nerves were beginning to surface. The squad were called to the changing rooms and began to get ready for the big match. Supporters had begun to arrive and everybody seemed to be ready. Queniborough came out to get warmed up and photographs were taken for Barratts, who are the teams sponsors. Once warm they returned to get changed into their strip of gold and black. By this time more supporters had arrived and pledged their allegiance to their teams. Both teams were called on to the pitch, Uppingham came out first followed a few minutes later by Queniborough. All seemed ready for a good game. The whistle blew, both teams wanted this win but maybe Queniborough wanted it just that bit more. The game was physical but what more could you expect from two teams who wanted to be in the final. On the whole the officials were fair and both teams knew who was in charge of this game. After ten minutes Queniborough hit the cross bar, but after battling away,Queniborough’s Keil Shawley put the ball in the back of the net giving them a 1 – 0 lead. The players celebrated in true style and nearly buried Kiel in the mud, but before half time Queniborough had hit the crossbar yet again. At half time manager and players knew that although Q.F.C. were winning there was still 45 minutes to go and no way should they relax into a sense of complacency. The players emerged for the second half, both teams ready for another 45 minutes of pure energy. It was now the turn of the supporters to lift their teams and calls, and shouts of encouragement could be heard from all along the touchline. Uppingham seemed to get their second wind and had several chances but it was Queniboroughs defence that saved the day especially Q.F.C. goalkeeper Steve Markley. The last ten minutes of the match were the longest and there were some very tired legs on the pitch. There were two substitutions, Paul Roberts for James Stock and Richard Eley for Neil Roberts who both fitted into this game perfectly and did the job they were asked to do. After 90 minutes of play supporters were shouting for the whistle to be blown but 5 minutes of injury time was to be added. The final whistle blew and the supporters erupted with shouts and applause, Queniborough Football Club were through to the final. The players hugged each other, the supporters cheered, the manager stood and surveyed his winning team and then brought his players back to the changing rooms to celebrate in style. The Players - Steve Markley Sam Dexter Tony Fraser James Hamp Andy Claridge Simon Biggs Martin Palfryman Richard Ekins Neil Roberts James Stock Keil Shawley Chris Ward John Goulty Richard Eley Paul Roberts Queniborough’s Man Of The Match - Simon Biggs Team Of The Day - Queniborough F.C Queniborough Football Club would like to thank the following-: Barratt’s , Sporting Capers, NCN Express Couriers, Ashfordby Amateurs Football Club, All supporters of Queniborough Football Club for all their encouragement.