Baildon Trinity U-16s 1
Ilkley U-16s 1
(Baildon win 3-2 on pens aet)
It was a pity that either side had to lose this closely fought Wharfedale Junior Cup Final at Otley, sponsored by Coney Lane Welding Co, of Keighley.
Baildon probably shaded the first- half, which was marred just on half-time by a serious leg injury to Ilkley goalkeeper Shane Etherington. He fell awkwardly in an accidental collision with Baildon striker Chris Reardon. The ball broke for Gavin Donoghue to open the scoring from ten yards.
Half-time was extended to almost half an hour while an ambulance was called and treatment given before the player was taken to hospital with a broken leg.
In the second-half Baildon were slow to start and Ilkley looked the more threatening. However, it looked as if Ilkley had run out of ideas and Baildon began to create their own chances, but they failed to convert them.
They were made to pay the penalty for this. After Baildon goalkeeper Danny Morton had brought off a fine save, Ilkley deservedly equalised six minutes from time through a well-struck shot.
Donoghue, Andy Padgett and Scott Marsden worked hard in the Baildon midfield and James Brown and Craig Renton were solid at centre-backs.
In extra-time, Bailon looked the more likely to score, and Reardon was unfortunate not to be credited with a goal when his shot looked over the line as it was hooked clear. However, in the second period it took a fabulous double save from Morton to deny Ilkley taking the lead
There was no further scoring and the game went to penalties. In this Morton was again the hero, saving one spot-kick and then taking and converting his own penalty.
The match was played in a fine spirit, with the referee having to issue only one yellow card.
Sunday final
tonight
THE Wharfedale Sunday Challenge Cup final will be played at Guiseley AFC's Nethermoor Park ground tonight, Thursday with a 7.30 pm kick-off.
Wharfedale Triangle League sides Rawdon and Yeadon Park Rangers will be in opposition, both from the Premier Division of the Wharfedale Triangle League.Rawdon are the cup holders and Park Rangers won it the year before.
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