Shepton Mallet's grip on the league cup trophy was pried loose after a nail-biting 6-5 penalty shootout defeat to Oldland Abbotonians. The game ended 2-2 in normal time, but the visitors held their nerve to progress to the quarter-finals.

Oldland dominated the first half, piling the pressure on Shepton's defence. Keeper Owen Crawford had a rare slip, spilling a Harry Haughton shot for Jai Macleod to pounce and fire in the opener. The visitors could have added to their tally, but the woodwork came to Shepton's rescue.

Against the run of play, Shepton clawed their way back just after the half-hour mark. A foul on Callum Gould in the box earned a penalty, and Charlie Bateson coolly slotted past Oldland keeper Harry Vicklor to make it 1-1.

Oldland restored their lead before the break when Thomas Blake smashed a low shot past Crawford. Tempers flared as Oldland's Owen Lingard escaped with a yellow card for a high tackle just before half-time. Shepton made the most of the resulting free kick, with Paul Braithwaite's header deflecting off Ieuan Crowe into the net to level the score at 2-2.

The second half saw Shepton pushing hard for a winner. Gould and Bateson both came close, and Harry Rutty missed a golden chance, heading wide from a Cam Allen corner with the goal gaping. Oldland's Blake nearly snatched it late on, but the match headed to penalties.

In the shootout, it was agony for Shepton as one of their efforts rattled the crossbar, handing Oldland a 6-5 victory and a place in the next round.

Paul Braithwaite was named Shepton's Man of the Match, while penalties for the Mallet were converted by Gould, Bateson, Sloggett, Braithwaite, and Rutty.

Club news

In other news, Shepton bids farewell to Callum Gould, who has joined Frome Town. The club praised Gould for his outstanding contributions and wished him success at Step 3.

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Shepton's next home games at the Playing Field are against Ivybridge Town on Saturday, 14th December, followed by a local derby with Street on Saturday, 21st December.

C'mon the Mallet!