ST MARGARET'S 3

Rawdon OLD BOYS 1

HORSFORTH St Margaret's survived an early onslaught from Rawdon Old Boys before going on to win the Wharfedale FA Airedale international sponsored Challenge Cup at Guiseley on Thursday.

Rawdon Old Boys had their chances to seal the game in the first-half but allowed the game to slip away from them and Saints hit their best form in the second-half to ensure that they lifted the trophy for the sixth time in their history.

The Old Boys came into the final on the back of wins over Yeadon Ventus Celtic, Yeadon New Inn and Burley Trojans and in the very first minute could have taken the lead. Andy Shanks' effort was touched past the post by 'keeper Elliot Pickard for a corner. Michael James swung in the corner and a thundering header from David Pennett was cleared off the line.

Sainst responded by firing wide at the other end and then Paul Hoban put the ball over for Ronnie Worrall but the striker had two attempts blocked by 'keeper Graham Bentley.

Andy Shanks then put the Old Boys ahead with a superb 25 yard shot which curled into the top corner in the 21st minute.

Saints replaced Neil Harrison with Paul Scott in the 35th minute and he was instrumental as they came more to the fore with Hoban firing wide before Andy Lamb levelled for them when he drew Bentley out of goal in the 42nd minute.

The Old Boys missed a glorious chance to regain the lead when Tony Gilks fed Pennett and the striker was left red faced when it seemed easier to score than miss.

In the second-half a good curling free-kick by Michael James was taken at the far post by Pickard. Rawdon 'keeper Bentley came out of his goal and missed his man with Lamb then missing a golden chance by putting the ball wide. Saints had further chances with Scott hitting the bar.

They took the lead when Lamb notched his second in the 60th minute and then full-back Robert Norris made it 3-1 five minutes later.

The Old Boys were virtually chasing shadows at this stage against a side with greater physical presence but they did have a chance to pull a goal back. Pennett was brought down in the area but James tried to place his penalty kick and the effort was saved by Pickard.

The trophy was presented to Saints' captain by Peter Midgeley, the Joint Managing Director and Chairman of Airedale International. Mementoes were presented to both teams and to the referee Reid Haddow, his assistants Graeme Warrent and Ian Clapham and the fourth official Steve Powell.

Saints had reached the final with wins over Menston Rangers and Pool AFC and a walk over against cup holders Guiseley AFC Reserves when the Nethermoor pitch was deemed unfit for play.

St Margaret's - Elliot Pickard; Robert Norris, Andrew Sutton, Paul Bould, James Moon,. Mark Ackroyd, Jamie Marshall, Neil Harrison , Ronnie Worrall, Andy Lamb, Paul Hoban. Subs - Paul Scott, Rick Cowling, Alan Dickinson.

Rawdon Old Boys - Graham Bentley; Steve Palmer, Martin Gilks, Gareth Reynolds, Ian Ruthven, Andy Shanks, Gordon Burnell, Matthew Glendinning, David Pennett, Michael James, Tony Gilks. Subs Trevor Thorpe, Mark Stirk, Scott Harper.

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