Addingham survive loss of 'keeper to win through

Salts Old Boys 3

(after extra-time)

ADDINGHAM blasted their way into the next round of the Wharfedale Challenge Cup with one of their finest performances, against a very strong side from the West Riding County Amateur League.

They refused to lie down and eventually ran out deserved winners, despite the various adversities they came across.

Marriot joined the ever increasing injury list that left Addingham stretched to the limits. Following recent indifferent performances manager Mark Ridley tried out a different formation, using Carl Kernick and Sergio Galasso as wing backs in front of a back three with three central midfielders supporting the two strikes. Jez Parker was drafted out of retirement back into the squad that had lost its last two games, despite scoring six goals.

Early on Salts showed their quality and higher league status as they controlled possession and took the upper hand. With Addingham finding their feet and adjusting to the new formation and personnel changes Salts' early control paid off with Addingham suffering a double whammy on ten minutes.

The centre-forward got goal side and knocked the ball past the onrushing 'keeper. Dobson recovered well and dived full stretch to knock the ball away. The striker collided with Dobson, knocking out the Addingham 'keeper at the same time.

The referee appeared to blow up for the 'keeper's injury but amazed everyone by giving a penalty. With Dobson concussed and suffering double vision Galasso pulled on the keeper's jersey but after a long interval he was well beaten with the spot kick.

Addingham were beginning to dominate, but were dealt another hammer blow as skipper Si Collins pulled up with a torn hamstring. His replacement Richard Mills was to prove the saviour late on but at this early stage few could envisage the drama that would unfold.

A goal down with ten minutes played and both 'keeper and captain now mere spectators the signs looked ominous for Addingham. Their true grit really showed through as Mick Kernick robbed the defender and rolled the ball to Jamie Barrow, who restored parity with a good low show on the half-hour mark.

With the half coming to an end Salts broke clear and good inter-play put them back in front. From then on it was all Addingham, the 'keeper making three fantastic saves that looked like keeping Addingham out.

With a minute to go Barrow turned his marker inside out and was unceremoniously dumped to the floor. Up stepped Richard Mills with a beauty of a free-kick from 25 yards that arched up and over the wall and left the 'keeper motionless as the ball dipped into the far corner.

Salts restarted but seconds later the referee blew to take the game into extra-time. The pitch, which had cut up badly, had drained most of the energy from all players but it was Addingham who showed the greater desire. With the extra period only five minutes old Glynn Collins hit a 40 yard pass that Jamie Barrow latched on to. He drew the 'keeper and slotted the ball past him, to give Addingham the lead for the first time. Salts began to look ragged, what they had thought would be an easy win was turning into a very uncomfortable afternoon.

As the game moved into the final 15 minutes of extra-time Addingham turned on the style. Jamie Barrow completed his hat-trick with a cheeky finish, put through by Tim Marriott he brazenly pointed where he was going to place the ball, the 'keeper was sold and as he moved to Barrow's intended target the Addingham man did him at his near post.

This gave Addingham a two goal cushion that they were never going to give up. With five minutes left Smithson beat the off-side trap and raced goalward as the 'keeper came out Smithson lobbed him with a sweet chip to make it 6-3.

A truly great game for Addingham, and particular praise must go to Marriot, Collins and Smith who defended with superb quality, and Galasso who in taking over in goal did a wonderful job.

l On Saturday Addingham are at home, all players to meet at home at 1 pm.

Wellington 1

Pool Reserves 3

WITH some new faces returning to the side, Pool entered this game full of confidence. It wasn't long before Pool took the lead, N Taylor scoring direct from a Myers corner.

They were soon 2-0 up, Taylor and Evans combining well down the left, sending Howden clean through to finish neatly for his first. Pool continued to play well and any Wellington threat was coolly dealt with by Firth and Shaw at the back.

Howden claimed his second with an excellent left foot strike before half-time.

In the second-half Pool relaxed but were still rarely threatened.