Evo Stik Division One South
Shaw Lane AFC 2-0 Romulus
Shaw Lane’s Alex Byrne kisses the DW black armband after scoring just 30 seconds into the emotional 2-0 victory over Romulus.
Brave Shaw Lane AFC gave Dan Wilkinson the best possible tribute by beating Romulus on a very emotional afternoon in Barnsley.
Alex Byrne’s goal 30 seconds into the contest and Spencer Harris’s header in the final minute, guided the Ducks to the win. Ultimately the result does pale into the insignificance
The tragic events of Monday night remain very raw in everyone’s minds. But backed by the wishes of Dan’s parents Gill and Barry, the match went ahead and Shaw Lane went the extra mile to ensure Dan had the best possible tribute.
The Dan Wilkinson stand was unveiled and fundraising for a foundation was also started. Brighouse Town brought a 30-plus strong contingent and they came out alongside the two teams before standing in the centre-circle during the minute’s silence with the players and Dan’s parents.
The match felt irrelevant. Shaw Lane needed a goal quickly and it couldn’t have come much earlier. The ball was played into the Romulus within a few seconds and the visitors’ defence failed to deal with Gav Allott. The striker headed the ball down and Byrne volleyed home. The outpouring of grief was plain to see. Byrne kissed the specially made DW black armband and also pointed to the sky before the rest of Shaw Lane’s starting line-up joined him to celebrate the special goal.
Few chances followed. Romulus spent of the game in Shaw Lane’s half, but apart from near the end when goalkeeper Jon Stewart made a terrific save, they failed to really hurt the home side.
It was fitting that Shaw Lane held on and the header from Harris ensured the right result for Shaw Lane, Dan and his family.
Brighouse Town came out alongside the two teams
The contingent from Brighouse Town. Picture: thesaturdayboy.co.uk
Dan Wilkinson’s parents, the match officials and Shaw Lane’s officials during the minute’s silence. Picture: thesaturdayboy.co.uk
Steve Istead catches up with Byrne after his goal
More players join Byrne after the goal
Shaw Lane celebrate the goal
Some of the flowers which Shaw Lane have received
Alex Byrne blocks a shot
The Dan Wilkinson Stand will forever watch over Shaw Lane
Kelvin Lugsden in an aerial battle with former Harrogate Railway striker Malachi Farquharson
Action from the emotional game
Jason Yates reacts to the goal from Spencer Harris
Every Shaw Lane player celebrated the goal from Harris
Shaw Lane in their huddle at the end of the game
Shaw Lane players applaud those in attendance
Shaw Lane’s players begin to walk over to Dan’s parents after the game
What They Said
Shaw Lane AFC manager Craig Elliott
The Teams
Shaw Lane AFC: Stewart, Austin, Radford, Istead (Yates 78), Qualter (captain), Byrne, Harris, Allott (Tuohy 38), Kieran Lugsden, Algar (Thornton 60), Kelvin Lugsden. Subs unused: Zaniewski, Wafula.
Romulus: Parsons, Evans, Branch, Lee, Hill, Farquharson, Deeville-Cross (Santos 81), Westwood, Hailey, Rutty-Smith, Donnelly (Walters 66). Subs unused: Dudley, Masadi, Bills.
Player of the Match
United in grief: Shaw Lane’s players. Picture: thesaturdayboy.co.uk
Dan Wilkinson’s parents and the whole of Shaw Lane AFC – players, officials, volunteers and supporters