Honours Even In The Local Derby

Beverley’s residents were out in force to witness this local derby as Molescroft FC Galaxy played hosts to Whitestar Athletic. It was Athletic who were sharpest out of the blocks taking the upper hand in the opening exchanges.

This advantage nearly resulted in a goal when Alex Ford dribbled his way past a series of challenges before cutting the ball back to Kurt Pelham whose goal bound shot was tipped around the post by Jamie Spence in the Molescroft goal.

Jake Wardle fired marginally over from a shot from range moments later and the deadlock was eventually broken when Josh Northen placed an exquisite pass on to James Ayre. Ayre took a touch past the out rushing Spence and calmly rolled the ball into the empty goal 0-1.

Molescroft instead of succumbing to this early setback displayed great spirit fighting their way back into the tie with George Thompson imperious in the centre of defence and Danny Deeming full of energy and combative tackling in the midfield. As Galaxy pressed, the ball went out of play for a throw in, which when taken found its way to their striker who made no mistake from close range to grab the equaliser 1-1.

The second half commenced with the game being largely played out in midfield with Whitestars’ man of the match, Luke Melia, being especially impressive. However, both sides did have opportunities with Whitestars’ perhaps coming closest when a Mark Kerman cross was cleared by Charlie Sygrove but bounced out to Sam Porter whose shot whizzed over the crossbar.

Still when the third goal did come it went the way of Galaxy, with Marc O’Hare latching onto a through ball before steering his shot wide of the keeper and inside the post 2-1.

Whitestars made some changes, which produced near immediate dividends introducing George Cooper and Max Bentham into the fray. Bentham skilfully beat his man on the right, and his cross was forced out for a corner. On the corner ball being swung in Ayre was there once more to smash the ball over the line to level the scores once more.

It was then Cooper, who nearly snatched the winner when his swerving shot from distance beat everyone only to strike the foot of the post. Whitestars were buoyed and Kurt Pelham again went close from a corner, before a Galaxy breakaway looked like resulting in the winner. However, Sam Oglesby in the Whitestars’ goal produced a superb save to ensure the spoils were shared in this enthralling encounter.

Goal Scorers: James Ayre 2

Man of the Match; Luke Melia

Beverley Whitestar
Sam Oglesby, Mark Kerman, Mikey Ward, Matty Clarke, Will Corton, Ian Simpson, Jake Wardle, Max Bentham, Alex Ford, James Ayre, Kurt Pelham, Joe Wardill, Luke Melia, Josh Northen, George Cooper and Sam Porter

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