TD took on Southwater Royals in what turned out to be little more than a stat padding opportunity for Shipley's finest despite a difficult first 50 minutes in the game. Southwater came out of the gates looking to get something from the game and despite big chat before hand Shipley were not on top form. In the early stages the game could have swung either way. despite this Shipley, doing what top teams do and managing to win games even when not playing well scored the first goal of the game. An expertly delivered corner by winger GT found Centre Back icon Mark Richardson in the box. Richardson known for his silky game both on and off the pitch, leapt high easily climbing over his man and powered his header home. Richardson not known for his pace, because it's like watching someone walking most of the time, makes up for that with exquisite movement and that is how he gave Shipley the lead.
Shipley were not out of the woods just yet and narrowly avoided conceding a penalty and had to rely on keeper Dan Lake to make some big saves to keep them in front. Tricky winger Haroon being utilised as a wingback created the chance to increase TDs lead after playing a superb ball splitting the defence for Dan Mc to score a characteristic goal taking it round the keeper (this time without causing injury) and slotting home. Death, Taxes and a Dan Mc goal - all that is certain in life.
After being "rested" the week prior the Dragons exquisite playmaker and assister in chief Peppercorn did what he does best by assisting TD new boy Leon who had been causing Royals a lot of problems.
After setting up the second goal Haroon managed to bag himself a goal despite playing at fullback which some would have you believe is impossible, but Haroon does the impossible.
All but confirming the rumours that Ronaldinho had a whirlwind affair in Crawley during the early 00s Ben Peppercorn was at it again as he assisted schoolboy Gasson, who like Leon on the other flank had been making the most of his pace and skill to bully (for legal reasons not literally) the Royals fullbacks. Things were looking good when Captain Marshmallow scorned an opportunity to make it 5 by blasting a strike from close range into the post. With 2 assists to his name already the fans were still chanting his name.
Giving the reds an even greater lead midfielder Gideon scored a goal of the season contender with an absolute rocket from outside of the box. Even if the keeper had got hands to it he would no doubt have ended up in the goal himself.
Going together like bread and butter, Salt and Pepper, Beer and Beer gardens or rain and cancelled football matches Haroon and Leon were linking up like a pair who had played together for years as Haroon grabbed another assist to set up new recruit Leon.
sitting pretty at 6-0 Shipley were hoping to keep things tight round the back but seemingly allergic to keeping clean sheets, or perhaps an act of charity in the festive spirit Lake concede to make it 6-1 to TD. Though the royals were about as jubilant as Charles when Harry comes for Christmas.
In the dying embers of the game TD were awarded a penalty and there was only ever 1 man for the job. TD hero, TD legend, Bendinho. He could have given Leon a chance at a hattrick but this man is a born winner and he doesn't take any chances. Scoring the finest penalty Shipley has seen all season he rifled home the ball superbly.
Finally just before being called off for bedtime Sam grabbed himself a second goal striking it right down the centre of the goal and the keeper could only watch (or maybe he could have dived but who knows).
Finishing 9-1 Shipley continue their charge as they chase down league leaders ahead of a pre Christmas showdown.