A late goal puts Menston Rangers into the final

A late goal from Gerald Haughian earned Menston Rangers a place in the final of the Spa Cup in a tough semi-final tie.

Pannal settled into the game the quickest as Menston looked nervous with the prospect of a first ever cup final ahead of them.

The visitors had a good chance to go in front when a series of opportunities to make a clearance were not taken but with only 'keeper Simon Wintle left to beat the shot was screwed wide.

Menston gradually settled and created chances of their own. A Scott Warbrick header floated over and Menston then failed to capitalise when the same player hurried the visitors' defence in their own penalty area.

The half continued with both sides competent but neither outstanding. Menston dealt with the long ball much more comfortably than the previous week with centre-back Chris Cooper determined to put his head on everything. In the middle Craig Wood continued where he had left off the previous week.

Rangers were presented with a chance to take the lead when referee's assistant Mr Bowen flagged for the slightest of pushes on Richard Dickinson. However, Ryan Dyer's penalty was well saved. Pannal took heart and pushed on, goalkeeper Wintle keeping the game scoreless saving with his legs.

Pannal took the lead with a header from a corner which deflected in off Chris Cooper, although Simon Wintle appeared to have been clattered as he came for the ball.

The knock sustained saw him leave the pitch within five minutes to be replaced by Rob Eagle, making only his second goalkeeping appearance of the season.

Although Pannal continued to press, Menston came back into the game. A second own goal levelled matters, Gerald Haughian forcing the error from the visitors' centre-back. The score remained at 1-1 until the interval.

The second-half saw Pannal pushing forward, using the slope to their advantage, although they failed to trouble replacement 'keeper Eagle, and Menston enjoyed the better chances.

Craig George was a constant thorn in the side of the visitors' defence, particularly with his harassing of the 'keeper at every back pass. When presented with a couple of chances, however, his finishing did not match his endeavour.

With around 20 minutes left Menston went ahead with a goal from leading scorer Scott Warbrick. Pannal now threw on a third beanpole striker as Menston sought to batten down the hatches.

However, the substitute held off a challenge from the much more diminutive Tom Duffissey and beat the advancing Eagle to level matters up again with under ten minutes remaining.

The goal seemed to spark Menston more than the visitors. A Chris Cooper header from close in was blocked while at the other end Pannal just failed to convert a ball flashed across goal.

With only two minutes remaining Gerald Haughian moved up the wing before finishing from the unlikeliest of angles. This was to prove his last contribution of the game, as he was replaced by veteran poacher Roger Turnbull.

Menston were now happy to play out time, with centre-back Dick Metcalfe making sure no ball coming near him landed anywhere near the pitch. Menston now progress to the final to be played on Tuesday, April 15, at Kirk Deighton.

In fairness neither team really deserved to lose this game. Every time these two sides have met the match has been won by the odd goal, with this probably having been the tightest of those contests.

A special mention for the three match officials whose performances were fitting for a semi-final.

l Menston return to league action on Saturday making the short trip to Rawdon to play Park Row Associates.