Three shootout saves by the Cheadle Town goalkeeper denied Moneyfields their first national title, as a tense 120 minutes ended in a 3-0 penalty shootout defeat at the home of Slough Town F.C.
Despite a dominating extra-time performance, Money’s unfortunately fell short in the deciding moment of the afternoon in Berkshire.
Both teams were appearing in their first-ever national final after incredible runs through the competition. Karl Watson’s side arrived at Slough Town’s home in high spirits, backed by a fantastic travelling support, but ultimately found the opposition keeper in inspired form.
The afternoon began with an early setback for the Moneys. Just 15 minutes in, Brooke Garcia was forced off following a heavy collision; she was replaced by Bekah Tonks. Cheadle threatened early, rattling the woodwork twice in the same phase of play, but Mia King was equal to the challenge, tipping one effort onto the bar to keep the scores level.
As the half progressed, Moneyfields began to dominate possession. Daisy Beard’s delivery from the flank was a constant outlet, and Shannon Albuery was inches away from the opener just before the break, seeing her scrambled effort superbly tipped over the bar.
Half-time: Cheadle Town Stingers 0-0 Moneyfields
The Moneys came out firing in the second half. Britt Jeal almost caught the keeper off guard with a looping cross shot that dropped just over the bar, and the vocal Moneys fans were loud in their appeals for a penalty in the 62nd minute, though the referee waved the claims away.
Watson looked to his bench for a spark, introducing Dream Surin and Tierney Scott as the pressure mounted. The chances continued to come; Albuery headed a Beard corner just wide, and Liv Venditto saw a late strike roll agonisingly past the post as the game moved into extra time.
Full-time: Cheadle Town Stingers 0-0 Moneyfields
The drama intensified in the additional 30 minutes. In the 105th minute, Tierney Scott played a brilliant ball into skipper Ali Hall, whose goal-bound shot was kept out by a reaction save. Moments later, the Moneys were denied by the narrowest of margins yet again, as Albuery rounded the keeper and sent the ball toward the net, only for a defender to clear it off the line.
With the deadlock unbroken after two hours of football, the final was decided from the spot. Despite a season of clinical finishing, the Moneys saw three penalties saved, while Cheadle converted theirs to clinch the Plate.
Full time (AET): Cheadle Town Stingers 0-0 Moneyfields (0-3 after pens)
While the result is a bitter pill to swallow, the performance proved the Moneys belong on the national stage. The club would like to thank the incredible supporters who made the trip to Arbour Park and stayed behind the team throughout the 120 minutes.
Focus now shifts back to the league and the final push for promotion. The countdown to the end of the campaign continues, with the squad determined to finish the season on a high.
Two games at the John Jenkins Stadium and one away game left, starting with Bristol Rovers on Sunday 5th April, away to Marine Academy Plymouth on 12th April, then to round the season off a big clash against Swindon at the John Jenkins on the 26th April.
Moneys XI: King (GK), Venditto, Howden (Granger 111’), Beard, Phelps, Hall (C), Fox, Garcia (Tonks 15’), Burgess (Surin 52’), Jeal (Scott 98’), Albuery
Unsued subs: Archbold, Chiddle
Manager: Karl Watson
Cheadle Town Stingers XI: Donald (GK), Ahmed (C)(Wong 112’), Landing, Gillen (Coe 105’), Harris, Bentley, Porteous-Williams, Dean, Caldecott, Houghton (Shepley 75’), McCready (Weston 75’)
Manager: Steven Appelton
Venue: Arbour Park
