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Chris full of praise for his team following Vase win over Bury AFC – West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Chris full of praise for his team following Vase win over Bury AFC

The dust may have settled on Saturday’s memorable 2-1 FA Vase win over Bury AFC, but for many West fans they’ll still be day dreaming of Ben Elliott’s wonder goal that settled the game in the 91st minute.

With the away side chasing a late equaliser, Bury’s goalkeeper Ed Wilczynski came up for a corner. West cleared their lines and from there it was the Elliott Show – one, two, three defenders floored on a mazy run in his own half, then opting against having a go from the half way line he carried on his run, eventually beating the stranded Wilczynski from 40 yards.

It was one of the most memorable goals in West’s recent history, and despite being the first competitive game of the season, it’s hard to imagine a goal of that quality being scored again before May.

Manager Chris Rowley couldn’t hide his delight after the game. He said: “I’ve known Ben since he was 17 and I know what he’s capable of. That chance couldn’t have fallen to a better person because we know he can go past someone and put the ball calmly in the net. There was no lashing it, it was just a nice, composed finished from 40 yards away.”

On the game in general, where West enjoyed healthy possession with ten and eleven men, Chris said: “As a team we managed our game. When Harry (Sheridan) was sent off we had to change our shape but we managed the game better than them and I’m extremely proud of all the lads. From the start we asked them to press and they did, they put them under pressure.”

What made the result even sweeter was some of the names missing through injury.

Chris added: “We had some key people missing, like AJ and Lee Gavin, but Joel (Torrance) came in in goal, a really young lad but full of confidence, and made some good stops. Everyone in that squad is good enough to come in and do their job, so if someone has a niggle we’re not going to risk them, because we believe in each other and we’re a unit that’s together.”