Addingham 6, Kirkby Malzeard 3;

Another chapter was recorded in the history of Addingham FC as they

reached the final of the Harrogate League's most prestigious cup competition in this their first season in the league.

Following the superb backs to the wall display against Premier Division Pannal in the quarter-final Addingham were pitched against another top flight side in the shape of Kirkby Malzeard, the premier performance though came all from Addingham.

Jamie Barrow showed a different class and took deserved plaudits as he hit four goals with a stunning display but the entire squad played at a level that made a mockery of their Division Two status.

The previous round had seen Addingham triumph with a patched up side but on Saturday they were at full strength and boy did it show. Kirkby started well in the opening minutes but with Ridley and Cummings soon roaring into some fierce tackles high up the field it set the tone that Addingham followed.

With Kirkby unable to get forward it was Addingham who dominated and it was no surprise when they took the lead, Si Collins curled in a low corner that deceived everyone and sneaked in at the near post.

Cheered on by the large crowd Addingham had the bit between their teeth and doubled the lead soon after, Ridleys neat pass found Barrow in space 22 yards out, Jamie shaped and then smashed in an unstoppable shot that the 'keeper barely even saw such was its ferocity.

Kirkby were shellshocked their strikers were being outplayed by Mills Wells and Tim Marriot , and in midfield they had no answers as every player was closed down or tackled instantly. With the half drawing to a close Barrow made it 3-0 as he skinned his man and drilled in a low finish.

Addingham knew they could not afford to sit back on their lead, Kirkby had nothing to loose and immediately pushed another man forward to play man for man up front They won a free-kick on the edge of Addingham's area and as the wall was being set up they took it quickly and pulled back to 3-1.

Feeling aggrieved at this Addingham powered forward and instantly restored their advantage. Smithson was playing the holding striker's role superbly and when he pulled the ball down and instantly fed Barrow the crowd sensed the threat, Barrow held off two defenders and from six yards out blasted his shot past the 'keeper.

Kirkby heads refused to drop and they pulled back another goal. Dunkum matching Barrow's earlier strike with a cracking shot from 20 yards. The truth was that Addingham were the better side Kirkby's goals were more down to brief lapses from Addingham rather than any form of concerted pressure.

Another corner saw Paul Marriot head home but the linesman adjudged he had pushed his marker and the goal was disallowed.

With nothing to loose Kirkby tried to push on but they made little headway, all the threat was Addingham, Steve Perkins typifying the desire as he tracked up and down the by-line, threatening when going forward but equally effective as he tackled back.

Andy Dobson showed his concentration as he made a fine, rare save to deny Bellwood. To compound their frustrations Si Collins showed them how to finish seconds later. Barrow and Smithson made the space that Collins exploited, having arrived in the box right on cue he collected Perkins pass and shifted his body brilliantly to roll the ball past the helpless 'keeper.

Phil Smith Galasso and Kernick all came on to give Kirkby even more problems. Their frustrations were now beginning to show, with the tie out of reach they started the rough stuff but with little or no success, Addingham are not a side that lies down and takes it and the ref and linesmen were on full alert as the tackles flew in. Barrow rubbed more salt in the wounds as he hit his 4th and Addinghams 6th, put in by Smith he finished once again with real class.

There was still time for Kirby to snatch another consolation goal but the silence that surrounded the goal spoke volumes.

At the end Kirkby were gracious in defeat, losing to a side from two divisions lower was tough to take but as they pointed out Addingham are not your regular run of the mill Division Two team.

The day ended with more good news with Helperby and Beckwithshaw drawing in the league Addingham now know that one win from their final two games will see them crowned as champions as well.

The League Cup Final takes place on Tuesday, May 7, with the venue yet to be announced. Addingham would welcome your support on what will be an historic evening whatever the outcome.