FLETTON United came so close to Northants Sunday Shield glory last night.

After becoming the first team from the Peterborough Sunday Afternoon League to reach the showpiece, Dev Patel's side suffered the heartbreak of losing the cup 4-2 on penalties against Northampton Heathfield Rangers.

After hauling themselves back on terms with just three minutes to go through a Martyn Fox strike at the home of Wellingborough Town FC, Fletton were unable to add to their goal tally before being swept aside from the penalty spot.

It may have been different for the Division One title challengers had striker Kev Brisley and midfield powerhouse Dan Dunning been available.

As it was without their dynamic duo, Fletton struggled to turn chances into goals during normal time.

Joint manager Dev Patel: "We are gutted to lose out in this fashion but myself and co-manager Dave Toms could not be more delighted with the way the boys played tonight, they were superb.

"We did perhaps miss a little going forward with Kev and Dan away but that is not to say the lads out there did not play superbly, as they did.

"The game itself was really good to watch and both teams were extremely well matched. But there always has to be a loser and sadly on this occasion that was us.

"But we are extremely proud to become the only team from our league to have come this far. Now we have to focus on our remaining targets for this season."

And those targets include a PFA Cup Final with AK 11 this Sunday before the same two teams play one another again to decide the Division One title.



Fletton squad: Richard Roberts, Matthew Salmon, Sam Gale, Luke Madden, Martyn Fox, Karl McPolin, Pat Rodgers, Adam Spouse, Terry Green, Lee Defraine, Ashley Liddle, Dan Copestake, Raff Ruberto, Steven Woodcock.