Beverley Town progressed into the next round of the East Riding Senior Cup in this pulsating game at Longcroft. Both teams were focused on winning the game and getting one over their rivals, and from the first whistle to the last this was a very keenly fought contest.
Both teams started with a high tempo, trying to get control of the game and carve out an early opening. Towns Jonny Kershaw and Jon Ricardo were enjoying a fantastic battle in midfield against the tenacious duo of Paul Silvester and Dennis Edgar, with neither team giving an inch. However it was Town who created the first real opportunity when Jimmy Symes was put through on goal, with only the keeper to beat he was brought down by the Hodgsons defender. It looked like a clear cut penalty but the referee was not impressed and waved play on!
This spurred Hodgsons into life, with Adam Foster and Andy Stott combining well to create their first chance of the game. The lively Foster was working hard to create an opening for his team, and on 30 minutes tested the Town keeper with a speculative long range effort that forced a good save and led to a Hodgsons corner.
At this point the game really was opening up. Both teams had a succession of corners. Hodgsons threatened with long balls into the channels, and dangerous long throw ins from both sides. Town were settling into their own game and started to pass the ball well. Jimmy Symes and Craig Lamlpugh were working tirelessly up front but were not getting much change from a well martialed Hodgsons defence. It wasn’t long until Town created another really good opening, and Craig Lamplughs persistence paid off. After a great passing move down the left wing, the ball was squared to Lamplugh who was on the penalty box, the keeper came out to narrow the angle which forced Lamplugh wide, and his subsequent shot was fired high and wide of the top corner.
As the midfield battle heated up a series of heavy challenges led to a melee in the centre circle, proving their was no love lost between these 2 teams.
The half time whistle came and both teams were ready for a much deserved breather, with town just edging the spoils in the first 45 minutes.
Town started the second half with a determination and focus that saw them create a number of chances and start to control the game. However Hodgsons defended brilliantly and it was difficult for town to break them down. Hodgsons still threatened with the balls over the top for Adam Foster and Danny Cartwright, but the experience of Rich Jagger and quality of Sam Overton managed to nullify any threat. Town Keeper Ben Thompson was also in fine form, coming to collect every long throw in handling long range shots with ease.
Both teams were giving everything for the cause, and this meant legs were tiring and the game was opening up. Hodgsons striker Adam Foster was still looking full of energy however, and after some fine work on the right flank, skipped past Sam Overton and delivered a cross into the Town box which was fired straight into the hands of towns keeper. As a result of this move Towns Sam Overton suffered an injury and was replaced by Jay Custus at centre half.
Town responded really well, and pushed on looking to get a winner inside 90 minutes. Michael O’Connell and 16 year old winger Eddy Birch were a constant threat to Hodgsons down both flanks, penetrating runs and long range efforts on goal were starting to wear down the Hodgsons rearguard. As a result of this Town created many chances to win and pushed hard to grab the winner. Jimmy Symes had a fantastic chance to seal the game when through on goal with only the keeper to beat, he chose to delay his shot and a fine tackle from Jonathon Thorne thwarted the danger.
Then the best chance of the game fell to Michael O’Connell on 80 minutes. After a great move down the right flank, Winston Winn whipped in a great ball to the from post, O’Connell found
himself unmarked, with only the keeper to beat, but fired widely over the bar when it looked easier to score!
There was a final twist to come though, and Michael O’Connell had the chance to make amends for his earlier miss. It was a similar move down the right hand side, with some slick passing and quick inter play that carved an opening for O’Connell. This time he took full advantage and calmly slotted left footed past the hapless Josh Sewell in Hodgsons goals. This sparked wild celebrations from the team, and with only 1 minute to go meant there was no way back for Hodgsons.
Town duly saw the game out and recorded what was a narrow but deserved victory, which cemented their position as Beverley’s top football team.
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