Ducks are honouring late defender Daniel Wilkinson on and off the pitch

The tragic death of Daniel Wilkinson in September was a reminder of just how fragile life can be, but an unbreakable Shaw Lane AFC have honoured their defender’s memory both on and off the pitch ever since.

The 24-year-old collapsed during a game with Brighouse Town and, despite the best efforts of both teams and the paramedics to revive him, sadly passed away. 

He was found to have suffered from a heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy, the disease which came so close to ending former Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba’s life in 2012.

Quite incredibly the Ducks have found the inner resolve over the past two months to not only put together a nine-game winning streak, but also raise an estimated £18,000 so far for the Daniel Wilkinson Foundation.

And, according to chairman Craig Wood, every member of the Barnsley-based club has taken it upon themselves to both fight for a lost friend  and raise awareness for preventable treatment of the disease.

“It’s still very much raw for everyone involved at the club, but what it has done is bring everyone together – the players in particular and that’s showing in performances,” said Wood, who hopes that the fundraising will reach the £50,000 mark over the next 12 months. 

“Every game they go out to play they are doing it for Dan. 

“There’s great morale, great camaraderie and most of the players have got at least one goal each so far this season just to try and do something for him.

“It can happen to anybody at any age, it doesn’t discriminate.

“Dan was a super fit athlete and that makes people think ‘this could be my son or daughter’ and awareness was one of the reasons why we wanted to set up the foundation. 

“The harrowing image of the resuscitation attempts will stay with those who were there that night forever, and no one should have to go through that.” 

That team spirit has shone through in The Buildbase FA Trophy this year, having already beaten two teams that reside in the league above – Frickley Athletic and high-flying Whitby Town.

The Northern Premier League Division One South side face a similar challenge against last year’s semi-finalists Nantwich Town this weekend, but Wood is putting nothing past his troops.

“The draw has been fairly unkind to us, we started off with Scarborough who are top of their division,” explained Wood. 

“Whitby in the last round were top of their league and if not for games in hand, Nantwich Town would be right up there in the division above too. 

“They also got to the semi-finals of the FA Trophy last season, so we’ve got to say we are at underdogs even though we are at home. 

“But I know these players and they are going to give it their all.” 

FA Trophy history
The latest incarnation of Shaw Lane has only been in existence since 2012 and their first run in the competition was last year, when they fell to Matlock Town in second round qualifying.
Last season was so nearly the story of Nantwich Town but they agonisingly fell short of Wembley at the final hurdle with a 6-4 loss on aggregate to Halifax Town. 

Did you know?
Shaw Lane have hurtled through the leagues since 2012 – gaining three promotions – but the club can trace its roots back to an Under-11s side that was first set up in 1991.

One to watch
No team that boasts the type of form Shaw Lane are currently enjoying could put their efforts down to one man – but Wood admits free-scoring Alex Byrne deserves special praise. 
“We signed him as a full-back but have played him wide right and he scores goals for fun,” said Wood.
“He’s an excellent free-kick taker too.”

The prize
A win would boost Shaw Lane’s coffers by £4,000 and also hand them the chance to test their mettle against a National League side when the remaining 24 clubs enter the pot for the first round proper.