Robin Hood bow out of cup as Trojans arrow to victory

(after extra time)

BURLEY Trojans once again showed their resilience as they won through in extra- time for the second time this season.

On this occasion it was the West Riding County Cup and the victory over Leeds-based Robin Hood sees Trojans take their place in the third round with the likes of past winners Silsden, Golcar United and Carlton Athletic.

Chris Connolly's excellent strike midway through the first period of extra-time was enough to finally nail Robin Hood who played their full part in a tense but sporting encounter.

A mild and sunny autumn afternoon found The Rec in excellent condition and the visitors, unsettled by their late arrival which delayed kick-off by 15 minutes, were immediately put on the back foot by a lively Trojans side. Stuart Dibb, revelling his new striking role, twice set up Dave McKain but he was denied firstly by 'keeper Neil Homer and then a last ditch challenge by Chris Williams.

The visitors, who currently play in the First Division of the West Yorkshire League, looked to get the ball wide and attacked with pace and purpose but came across a Trojans' defence in which Kieren Hanogue was at his imperious best.

The young centre-half has matured into a fine player, with his reading of the game and excellent distribution, and along with defensive partner Chris Lockwood, they repelled all danger.

On the odd occasion that the visitors did have a sight of goal stand-in 'keeper Phil Constantine was in control, saving well from Russ Laycock in particular.

It was therefore against the run of play that the visitors took the led on the half hour mark. A left wing corner was not properly dealt with and when the ball ran loose Laycock was first to react, pouncing to fire into the roof of the net from six yards.

Trojans were stunned by this injustice and immediately re-asserted themselves. A flowing move led to Connolly sending in a measured right wing cross which Dibb met to send a looping header over the helpless Homer to level.

Dibb also had the ball in the net again but this time used his hand to beat the 'keeper but Trojans didn't have long to wait before establishing a half-time lead. Jonny Lofthouse, currently performing at the top of his game, left the Robin Hood defence spreadeagled as he went on a solo run before sending a low finish past Homer form an acute angle.

The normally reliable Connolly missed a great opportunity to extend the lead when Ian McKain got to the byeline and cut the ball back but Trojans leading scorer snatched at his volley and the chance was gone.

The half-time interval seemed to disrupt Trojans' rhythm and it was the visitors who established the ascendancy after the break. Constantine had to be at his best to deny both Laycock and Gavin Crowther before Robin Hood gained parity on the hour mark. Trojans lost possession and the ball broke kindly to Crowther who ran on to finish well.

Once again the new resolve which Trojans have shown in recent weeks was in evidence and their response was to attack at the other end which led to Connolly tempting Mick Swift into a rash challenge which referee Graham Watson deemed to be worthy of penalty.

There must be some sympathy with the visitors as the decision did look harsh. Connolly, booked in the first-half for dissent, picked himself up to send Homer the wrong way from the spot.

With time running out Trojans just needed to remain solid and defend their lead. Sadly they could not hold on and with only five minutes left they were caught out allowing the visitors to equalise.

Constantine made a stunning double save from first Crowther then Laycock and the latter's effort from point-blank range was rightly adjudged to have crossed the line before Lockwood's desperate clearance and so the tie went into extra-time.

Despite the loss through injury of Ian and Dave McKain in central midfield Trojans rallied again and took the upper hand in the first period of extra-time.

With chances at a premium it was imperative that they made their pressure pay. The excellent Chris Wheeler, who has fitted superbly into the side, threaded a clever pass to Man-of-the- Match Connolly who sent a searing drive into the roof of the net.

The visitors threw on beanpole striker Gavin Longley and he briefly caused problems with his aerial presence however, once again the Trojans back four, with young Guy Smith replacing the injured Matt Steer stood firm.

The biggest scare came just 30 seconds from the end when Laycock turned Hanogue for the only time of the afternoon and as he shaped to shoot Chris Worts made a timely intervention.

l Trojans are without a game this weekend but the Reserves face a long trip to take on Thirsk Falcons Reserves on Saturday.