Beverley Town manager Dave Walton made 2 changes going into the game, Phil Gardener coming in at right back and Smith coming in up front in place of the injured Craig Lamplugh.
It was Pocklington however who started the brighter of the two teams, creating some good early chances, with Beverley seemingly suffering from a hangover from last weeks cup exploits!
After the initial shaky start Town did settle into their own passing game, with Jonny Kershaw oozing quality in the midfield, winning tackles and passing the ball with style. The chances started to come think and fast for Beverley, with Jimmy Symes guilty of missing 2 great chances after working hard to create an opening for himself.
Pocklington defended deep and in numbers, and rarely threatened Beverley’s goal, so it was no surprise that the teams went in at half time nil nil.
After the break the game carried on in the same vein, with Beverley probing for an opening but Pocklington defending doggedly and barely threatening Ben Thompson in Beverley’s goal.
Michael O’Connell went close with a left footed shot that dipped just over the bar from 18 yards out. Jimmy Symes was creating more chances, but again failed to score, his fantastic work rate will surely reward him with a goalfest soon.
Phil Gardener was linking well with the young Eddie Birch down the right wing, the 17 year old Birch once again producing a performance of quality beyond his years.
With the game heading towards extra time it was young Eddie Birch that grabbed the winner. After a hopeful cross wasn’t cleared by the Pocklington defence, Birch skilfully brought down the ball on the edge of the 18 yard box, and from a central position fired hard and low past the keepers right hand. With a strong suspicion of handball the Pocklington defenders remonstrated with the referee but the goal stood.
With only 4 minutes left Beverley kept the ball and made sure that Pocklington couldn’t get back in the game.
In the end it was a convincing performance by town and a good start in their quest to defend the title they won for the first time last year.
Town return to league action next weekend when they entertain North Ferriby reserves, 2pm ko at Norwood.
Final score, Pocklington 0 Beverley Town 1
