Beverley Whitestar Tigers just edged an exciting and hard fought Cup semi-final against Westella & Willerby. Following a 3-1 league defeat the previous week all the Tigers players knew they would have to lift their game, if they were to have any chance of competing with their Myton League opponents.
Westella got off to a good start playing downhill and with the wind behind them and they pressured for much of the first 15 minutes. However, Matthew Minshall, Chris Cook and George Redshaw at the heart of the Tigers defence were all in top form, and they were able to limit Westella’s chances. Tigers built up some good runs with Elliot King, Connor Spence and Jamie Walker all making very positive and penetrating runs down the wings. Joe Jowesy and Alex Fleeman were at the centre of the midfield action, and they denied Westella time on the ball. The first half finished 0-0.
The opening goal came 12 minutes into the second half, when George Griffin hammered home a shot to give Westella a 1-0 lead. Tigers continued to battle for the equaliser, and it came when Sam Burton in the Tigers goal played a quick ball to Ryan Forrest, who in turn made a pin point pass to Elliott King. King broke through the Westella defence and coolly beat the keeper. A few minutes later Tigers won a free kick, and Minshall lobbed the ball magnificently over the keeper’s head. With just 10 minutes remaining, Westella threw everything forward, but Tigers were able to hold onto the lead and book their place in the final.
All Tigers’ players had clearly learnt from the previous week’s defeat, and they worked superbly as a team, as well as putting in great individual performances. Joe Jowsey was voted the Man of the Match, and Elliott King was the Coaches Player of the Week.
Final score Under 14s Beverley Whitestar Tigers 2 Westella & Willerby 1
