MATCH REPORT : Beverley Town Vs Hessle Rangers

Beverley had their first away game for ten weeks, travelling to Brough to play Hessle Rangers who were sitting ninth in the Humber Premier League and were coming into the game on the back of a good victory away to Crown the previous week.

Town made a slight tactical change with Luke Thompson joining top goal scorer Rob Northen up front in a two pronged attack. They also welcomed back Ryan Nicholls after a 4 week absence, although he had to settle for a place on the bench.

On a tight and heavy pitch Beverley were behind after only 5 minutes when a clumsy tackle by centre back Asa Pardoe gave away a free kick on the left hand side of the 18 yard box, a tame shot by Lee Gardiner was softly let in by keeper Adam Nicholson with a very uncharacteristic mistake.

The away team instantly made a slight tactical alteration with Mike O’Connell moving slightly inside to support Northern, and Thompson moving to a slightly wider position on the right. This had an impact straight away as Beverley started to dictate the play. Player/Manager Dave Ricardo had a good opportunity on the edge of the Hessle box, but unfortunately his chip sailed well over the bar.

It wasn’t long before the league leaders were back on level terms, a free kick on the left hand side was curled in by Tyler Collishaw and once again Northen got in front of the goalkeeper Luke Picken to glance in his 16th goal of the season.

Beverley were now in control and Northern and Thompson’s movement was causing the Hessle defence no end of trouble. It was Thompson who increased the lead in the 27th minute, when a swift break from defence saw the ball played into Northen’s feet on the half way line, he instantly laid the ball back to O’Connell who measured a sublime pass between the left full back, and left centre back for Thompson to run onto, and he without breaking his stride slotted past the keeper for his 7th goal of the season, this was a goal to grace any level of football.

Town were now totally on the front foot and O’Connell was becoming an increasing influence, one foray into the opposition box brought a good save from Picken who palmed the ball away for a corner.

For all their dominance Beverley couldn’t find the elusive third goal, and the home team nearly made them pay. A foul on the right hand side by James Whittingham, led to a ball floated into the box which totally eluded everyone, but fortunately for Town bounced of the post straight into Nicholson’s hand.

As the second half began Beverley knew they that the next goal was so important. Northern was once again a danger jinking his way through but unfortunately pulling his shot wide.

It was the same player, who put through by Collishaw was upended by the keeper giving him the opportunity to kill the game of completely. He placed his penalty kick to the goalkeepers left but at a nice enough height for Picken to palm the ball away to safety.

Regrettably for Northen this was one of his last contributions to the game as he pulled up in considerable pain seeming to have possibly pulled a groin muscle, he was replaced straight away by Dan Kinsgley. It is hoped that the injury is not a long term one, as Northern has been inspirational in recent weeks.

Nicholls also came on for Mike Dixon, and his athleticism down the right hand side saw Beverley have a great opportunity but as he squared the ball back to Kinsley, Hessle defender Dan Wilkin recovered well to block the shot although it looked suspiciously liked this was achieved with a hand.

Beverley were now a little ragged in their play and lacked fluidity in the midfield, and after all their territorial advantage, they nearly came to regret not taking their chances when another free-kick with 5mins to go was floated into the box by Hessle midfielder Stuart Ainsley, this was met 8 yards out with a firm header down to Nicholson’s right, but the goalkeeper redeemed himself for his earlier error, by producing an outstanding save and recovering quick enough to get to the rebound before the incoming forwards.

So Town took all three points, and now move four points clear, and with a game in hand on their nearest rivals. This is great achievement, to run alongside a 21 game unbeaten run in the league, but the players know that they must finish teams off when the chance arises, or the opposition will always have a foothold in the game.

Beverley now move onto the quarter finals of the Whiteheads Fish & Chip Cup where they are at home to Pocklington who have given Town a stiff challenge in their previous two encounters.

The club would like to thank Gerald Hurst for his sponsorship of the Sculcoates home game on the 2nd of March.

Reported by Steve Mulligan