Perry in dreamland with Cup win

Former Bucks hitman Kyle Perry today toasted the ’strikeforce made in Telford’ which helped instigate one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.

Perry and Dean Perrow, another ex-Telford striker, led the line for Chasetown last night as they bridged a five-division and 108-place deficit to dump League One outfit Port Vale out in an astonishing second round replay.

Former Shrewsbury Town striker Luke Rodgers missed two penalties for Vale before Chasetown, of the British Gas Business Midland Division, claimed a stunning last minute winner through Danny Smit, set up a third round home clash with Cardiff.

Perry, whose 23 goals fired AFC Telford to promotion from UniBond Division One in their first ever season, provided the pin-point cross for the winner.

And he admitted last night’s sensational events had become the new highlight of his football career to date.

“I loved Telford - it’s a great football club which gave me a great couple of years,” said the 21-year-old, who was back in his day job as a graphic designer this morning.

“To get promoted in my first season in senior football in Telford was unbelievable - but I have to say last night tops it.

“It was great doing it playing up front with Dean. We had a little run at Telford together and we have hit it off against Chasetown.

“He’s banging in loads of goals and I’m getting a few so it’s fantastic.

“We are part of the FA Cup third round which is an amazing feeling and playing against the likes of Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink who are legends of the game when you are growing up as a striker. 

“But last night was unbelievable. I was celebrating on the pitch at the end and someone tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘well done Kyle.

“That was John Solako and then Stan Collymore was there shaking our hands as we went off. It was crazy.”

Albrighton-based Chasetown manager Charlie Blakemore revealed he had been inundated with messages of congratulations from his Shropshire playing days with Shifnal Town, Newport, Donnington Wood and Champion Jockey in the Telford Sunday League.

Telford manager Rob Smith admitted he was delighted for both Perry and Perrow, two players who he has managed during his tenure at the New Bucks Head.

“There’s those two and quite a few lads who I had at Willenhall and I’m chuffed for all of them,” he said.

The Bucks have rearranged their home game with Vauxhall Motors for Saturday, December 22.

By James Garrison