FA Trophy
Wilmslow High 1
Shrewsbury College 1
Wilmslow won 5-4 on penalties
GOALKEEPER Chris Fidler was the hero when he saved the final penalty in a dramatic shoot-out to send Wilmslow High School into the semi-final of the English Schools' Under-18s FA Trophy.
The talented lads will now play Witley Bay's Monkseaton or Balby Carr from Docaster, at home on March 25 for a place in the final, which will be played at a Premiership ground.
In front of a crowd of 500 supporters, the thrilling quarter-final tie finished 1-1 after extra time before Fidler made the vital stop to send the home side into the last four of the national competition.
"We knew it would be a close game but no-one expected winning in such dramatic circumstances," said coach Chris Vizzard.
"We were delighted just to win the game, but on the balance of play I think we deserved to.
"The team didn't play their best but still got the result, and now we're all looking forward the semi-finals."
Wilmslow started the game nervously but still managed to create the better chances. Scott Shashua had the best opportunity after 20 minutes when he forced a fine save from the Shrewsbury keeper.
The second half was equally tense and both sides had chances to break the deadlock but, again, it was the visitors' No1 who was the busier, reacting quickly to deny Tom Willetts' header.
In extra time Shashua's hard work finally paid off when he controlled the ball and lobbed the keeper from close range to give Wilmslow the advantage.
But, with only two minutes remaining however, Shrewsbury struck an equaliser to send the game into penalties.
The lads will now go into the semi-final in nine days' time hoping to prove they are the best school side in the country.
