Beverley Town Football Club entertained Crown FC that were the only team to defeat them in the Humber Premier League last season.
Town welcomed back Nathan White after last week’s absence, along with Danny Norton returning from holiday. They also welcomed new signing Adam Crane who was making his debut, but were still without captain Jonny Ricardo, who is currently on a sabbatical.
The champions started brightly, imposing themselves in midfield early. The presence of White was giving Captain Mike O’Connell more of a licence to play a little further forward, and he was having an influence over the game from the start.
It was O’Connell who gave Town the lead, when the Crown defender inadvertently handled the ball. Referee Chris Hitchcock immediately pointed to the spot, and O’Connell stepped up and decisively finished into the bottom corner.
Beverley were well on top now with Dan Kingsley and Crane always a threat in behind with their pace.
It was Kingsley who added to the lead when played in by O’Connell, he unleashed a powerful drive from the edge of the box, the Crown keeper initially saved the shot, but the power and momentum of the strike meant it looped back over his head into the net. This was Kingsley fifth goal of the season and he was having by far his best game in a Beverley Town shirt.
It should have been three when White drove through from midfield, squared to Norton but he dragged his effort wide of the post.
The respite for Crown was short lived, as O’Connell swung in an exquisite corner which was headed home by Dane Mortimer for this 3rd goal in three games.
The second half began with Crown showing a commendable attitude and starting to get a small foot hold in the game.
However, this was short lived with both Crane and O’Connell going close on a few occasions.
Norton was once again causing a threat, and he cut inside again but his shot was parried away by the keeper.
Town added a fourth when the outstanding O’Connell was played through after a flick on from Kingsley, and he finished clinically for his fourth goal of the season.
The away team never gave in though, and pulled back a consolation goal with 10min to go, when Ricky Kemp drilled a free-kick past the largely redundant Adam Nicholson in the Beverley goal.
This was an excellent performance from Beverley, arguably the best of the season with all eleven players achieving a high standard of performance.
This sets them up nicely for a busy October when they play a number of cup and representative fixtures.
The only negative was injuries to centre-backs Mortimer and Asa Pardoe. However, it is hoped this blow will be softened by the return of captain Ricardo (J).
Beverley now move on to an away fixture against the very experienced Chalk Lane, the club knows this will be another tough encounter against a team who are difficult to break down.
Beverley Town would like to thank Gerald Hurst for sponsoring the game and his continued support.
