Although Mr Shephunter's tactics were not looked fondly on by X11 judges, his side put the sword to Stöpen 4-0 this week. The win kept the Red Devils in touch with the division leaders and also drew them a little further away from the relegation. It was a result the club needed.
It didn't take long to work out that Stöpen were here to prevent carnage. Although playing set up in a 352 formation they immediately went into their defensive shells in a big way. It took 22 minutes before the Red Devils were able to crack the code to their defence. Shaqeel Van Persie made a run down the right flank before sending in a cross which Dylan Dolan got the slightest of touches on to beat the keeper.
Some quick fire play by the Red Devils failed to bear fruit.Between the 32nd minute and the 34th they had 3 shots on goal. Unfortunately they were unable to find the back of the net.
The pressure was building on the back 3 of Stöpen. In the final 10 minutes of the first half the Red Devils completely dictated play. However the half time whistle blew with the scoreboard reading only1-0 to the home side, but signs were there that the flood gates may open in the 2nd half.
Van Persie was causing all sorts of problems down the right flank. As he did in the first half, he made a telling run before sending a ball to the far post. He expertly found the head of Mumtaz Mansiz who nodded in to give the Red Devils a 2-0 lead.
With a 2 goal lead and a look of dominance, Mr Shephunter brought on young forward Toni Von Sibenthal in the 65th minute. He'd already introduced 17 year old defender Ed Ingham into the backfield a few minutes earlier.
It was nearing full time and the crowd were growing restless. Some were even making their way to the exits. However they quickly took their seats when Van Persie made the score 3-0. The Red Devils were awarded a rare corner which Emanuel Rangel took. He sent a viciously curling ball in which beat everyone. Van Persie gathered it and sent a screamer goalward which left the keeper grasping at thin air.
In the 86th minute the Red Devils added insult to injury when Mansiz grabbed his second. Von Sibenthal demonstrated what all the hype was about when he delivered a cross that would make any 10 season veteran proud. Mansiz dived full stretch superman style to head the ball into the back of the net. It was a truly memorable moment that will forever haunt those few that left early.
The referee blew full time almost as a sign of mercy on Stöpen. The Red Devils had run out convincing winners and had given themselves a big confidence boost.
Manager Mr Shephunter was pleased with the big win:
"Great effort today. My concern leading into the game was playing an 18 year old keeper. As it turned out he just stood there unbothered for the entire game. In fact I think I saw the cheeky bugger request one of the security guard's lawn chairs midway through the second half! In all seriousness I'm pleased with the win. We need to do that on a more consistent basis but there are certainly plenty of positives to take out of the game. It was great to see Mansiz grab a brace after his recent injury."