Shane Kelsey (left) congratulates Joe Thornton after he scored Shaw Lane’s second goal. Photo: White Rose Photos
Shaw Lane Aquaforce stormed into the last 16 of the FA Vase by smashing Walsall Wood 4-1 in the fourth round replay at Sandy Lane.
The protracted game which was postponed twice last week because of pitch problems at Shaw Lane was finally played and Aquaforce wasted no time in securing a home tie with Flackwell Heath.
Handsworth Parramore chairman Pete Whitehead kindly offered Shaw Lane his Sandy Lane ground to get the important match played and they didn’t have any problems acclimatising to the superb surface.
Barnsley-based Aquaforce were missing key players Gary Stohrer and Steve Istead because of suspension, but Craig Elliott’s men did not need them.
Joe Thornton was a key player in Walsall’s downfall – the forward provided the assist for Matt Thornhill to open the scoring. Then on 36 minutes, Thornton scored after some excellent quick passing.
The result was put beyond doubt straight after half-time as Andrew Fox rifled a pile-driver into the net from outside the penalty area.
Walsall’s misery was soon completed when Sam Denton headed home from a corner. Lewis Taylor-Boyce netted a late consolation for Walsall.
The superb Vase run continues for Shaw Lane and the journey’s next stop will be a week on Saturday when Flackwell will visit.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Gathercole, Darley, O’Brien, Foster, Holt, Denton (Callery), Thornhill, Fox, Kelsey (Conway), Morris (South), Thornton.
Referee: Steven Meredith
Attendance: 131