Senior Challenge Vase Match Report: Redgate Clayton vs Wolstanton United

In a tense encounter at Newcastle Town, Redgate Clayton and Wolstanton battled in a contest that ultimately culminated in a penalty shootout.

The match began with Finney of Redgate seizing an early opportunity with a freekick from 25 yards out, only to be denied by a solid save from the Wolstanton goalkeeper. The early stages saw both teams evenly matched, with neither able to establish dominance.

As the first half progressed, Lawton of Redgate and his counterpart Thorley of Wolstanton attempted long-range efforts, but both goalkeepers remained untroubled. Despite Redgate's increasing pressure towards the end of the second half, Wolstanton's defence held firm, thwarting any potential breakthroughs.

As the halftime whistle blew, Wolstanton finished the half with a slight upper hand, although the game remained finely balanced with limited clear-cut chances.

The second half saw Wolstanton's Thorley coming close to breaking the deadlock, testing the Redgate goalkeeper with a couple of ambitious attempts from distance. However, the match remained deadlocked as both teams struggled to find the cutting edge in the final third.

Wolstanton's Shaw came closest to breaking the stalemate with a promising opportunity inside the box, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Holmes in the Redgate goal.

As the clock ticked towards full time, Ellams of Wolstanton unleashed a dangerous shot that narrowly missed the target, signalling the impending drama of the penalty shootout.

With neither side able to clinch victory in regular time, the match proceeded to penalties. Despite Wolstanton initially faltering with a missed penalty, they rallied to secure a 3-2 shootout victory, clinching a hard-fought win over Redgate Clayton.