Mallet magic: Late drama, cup glory and a perfect Easter weekend for Shepton

Shepton Mallet's first team capped off a thrilling Easter weekend with back-to-back wins in the Jewson Premier Division, while the Reserves sealed cup glory in dramatic fashion to make it a perfect three-from-three for the club.
Shepton Mallet 1, Welton Rovers 0 – Friday 18 April
It was a hard-fought win at the Playing Fields as Shepton edged past Welton Rovers thanks to a moment of quality from Charlie Walton late in the second half.
Welton started the brighter of the two sides and dominated the early stages, but Shepton found their rhythm as the first half wore on, holding out to go into the break goalless. After the restart, Jake Sloggett had the first real opening for Shepton but fired wide.
As the weather turned, the rain didn't dampen the quality on show, though chances remained limited. Welton's Arian Askari and Oliver Ward both went close before Shepton turned defence into attack in clinical style.
A clearance led to a quick break, with Charlie Bateson finding Aaron Seviour out wide, who delivered a pinpoint cross for Walton to power home a header from 8 yards past Welton keeper Adrien Cordillet.
Walton's performance earned him the Man of the Match award, nearly bagging a second with two more late efforts, as Shepton's defence stood firm to record their 15th clean sheet of the season in front of a 153-strong crowd.
Brislington 1, Shepton Mallet 2 – Monday 21 April
Shepton finished their league campaign in dramatic fashion with a third consecutive win, stealing all three points deep into stoppage time thanks to substitute Josiah McKayle's last-gasp finish.
Brislington's Shea Mannings looked lively from the off, forcing early saves from stand-in Shepton keeper Will Hunter, who put in a top shift throughout. Joel Sisson, Ethan Witchell and Jake Sloggett had chances for the visitors before Kieran Bailey opened the scoring on the hour mark, heading in a deflected Matt Morris strike to become Shepton's 21st different goalscorer of the season.
Brislington hit back five minutes later through the ever-dangerous Mannings, levelling the scores from 15 yards after a set piece. Charlie Bateson then missed a great chance to restore the lead before Brislington's keeper George Dorrington was forced off with an injury following a collision.
With Brislington pushing, Sloggett came to life, unleashing a barrage of efforts – one blocked, one saved and one fizzing wide – before finally breaking through in the 98th minute. After a driving run down the right, he whipped in a low cross that McKayle turned home from close range to snatch the win. Paul Braithwaite was named Man of the Match, edging out Hunter and Sloggett.
Paulton Hospital Cup Final – Shepton Reserves 2 (8) Coleford Athletic 2 (7) – Good Friday
If the first team provided the drama, the Reserves weren't to be outdone – lifting the Paulton Hospital Cup in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
Deadlocked at 2-2 in the dying minutes, Shepton keeper Brad Allen was thrown upfield as a last roll of the dice – and incredibly, he headed home the equaliser to force penalties. Allen then returned to his day job, saving one in the shootout as Shepton edged it 8-7.
It was the stuff of legends, and a fitting chapter in what has been a stunning season for the Reserves, who remain unbeaten in league play with just one draw – also against Coleford.
What's next for Shepton?
The first team have now completed their season, with final league positions to be confirmed once other sides finish their fixtures.
The Reserves, however, are just getting started – with six games still to play, starting with a home clash against Wells City A on Tuesday 22 April. Fans are urged to get down and support the side, who have five home games remaining, including two more cup ties.
Off the pitch
The club's Presentation and Quiz Night takes place on Saturday 26 April at the Football Club, kicking off at 7pm. Entry is £15 per team.
Then, on Sunday 4 May, Shepton Mallet FC will host a special charity match raising funds for Dorothy House and Young Lives vs Cancer. The match – FW Footywatch XI vs Sees/Matty XI – kicks off at 1pm and will be played in memory of Erin James and Haydn Jones. Expect an auction, raffle, inflatables, football challenges, food vendors and a fully open bar. Entry is by donation at the gate.
What a weekend for the Mallet – and more still to come.
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