| Gadeside Rangers marched into the semi-finals of the Birkdale Trophies Cup by beating Headstone Athletic for the third time this season. Headstone had beaten Gadeside 4-1 back in January, but following a four month inquest into claims that Headstone had fielded a cup-tied player, the game was replayed at the request of the Herts FA. |
| Both sides were pumped up from the word go and Headstone were able to call on several of the players who had been key figures in their double winning season last year - but it was Gadeside who were to win the game courtesy of a classy opening twenty minutes which could have graced arenas of a much higher level. Adam Hills had two glorious chances early on to give Gadeside the lead; first he ran on to Dan Campbell's flick on but failed to make sufficient connection to lob the onrushing Kamabila in the Headstone goal. The second chance again came from good work by Campbell who's low cross saw Hills bring a superb save from Kamabila diving low to his right. But Gadeside did get the goal they deserved. A left wing corner was headed back to the box by Tom Shurville and Dan Campbell was on hand to smash the ball home from 8 yards. |
| It was soon 2-0 with a goal of the highest order. Justyn Walcott found Adam Hills who superbly turned his marker before spreading the ball wide to Danny Everritt who in turn crossed to the onrushing Hills who bulleted his header past Kamabila. Gadeside were not finished there either and, in scenes which mirrored last season's cup final - grabbed a third goal in quick succession to take a commanding lead. Adam Hills picked up the ball in midfield and threaded an inch perfect pass to Tariq Khan who held off a defender to cooly slot the ball home. Headstone responded well and began to get back in the game and came close to pulling a goal back when Gallichan's volley was headed onto his own bar and away by Tom Shurville. |
| The second half saw Headstone put Gadeside under some intense early pressure. Tom Oliver was forced into a smart save while Matt Evans did well to block a close range drive by Gallichan. Dan Appiah should have scored when his header hit the post from 6 yards while sub John Wilkins headed off the line from another Headstone corner. But Gadeside still looked fairly comfortable and further extended their lead on the hour. Jay Evans released Dan Campbell who was tripped in the box when through on goal and the striker picked himself up to slam home the penalty and register his 29th goal of the season. Gadeside lost Tariq Khan due to injury and having already made 3 changes, Gadeside were left to carry on with 10 men. Headstone did pull a goal back with 5 minutes remaining when Gallichan scored after a corner wasn't cleared. James Bridges was ridiculously shown his marching orders after contesting an off the ball incident with the referee leaving Gadeside to play out the remaining few minutes with 9 men. |
| After the game a delighted Adam Hills said: "I am relieved we are through and now we can concentrate on going to win the cup. Our first half performance was as good as we have played all season. Hopefully we can secure the league on Wednesday night." |
| Tom Oliver, Danny Everritt (Ian Freeman), Justyn Walcott, Matt Evans, James Bridges, Daniel Brooks (John Wilkins), Tariq Khan, Tom Shurville, Adam Hills, Dan Campbell, Jay Evans (Jason Brownhill) |