Beverley travelled to the headquarters of the West Riding County F.A, to take on the West Riding representatives Rimington in the semi-final of the Northern Counties Senior Cup.
Town were without a few players, in particular, player of the year Adam Nicholson, which gave a first-team debut for 16-year-old Billy Iggledon in the Beverley goal. There was also a welcome return for Rob Northen and Danny Bunch after suspension and work commitments.
On a vast playing surface, the Humber Premier League champions started the brighter keeping possession well. They broke forward well in the third minute but Bunch could not quite finish off, after an excellent burst in the penalty area.
On 15 minutes, a free-kick just outside the box from Mike O’Connell brought a good save from goalkeeper Kershaw, with the ensuing melee resulting in the ball being cleared off the line to safety. Beverley won several corners from which they caused a variety of problems, using the wind to curl the ball into the danger area, but Rimington’s dogged defending kept them at bay.
On a rare break forward from Rimington a cross into the box was met by the home team striker, who tried to lift the ball over Iggledon, but the young goalkeeper made a god save to keep the scores level.
Town made a couple of tactical substitutions at half-time and with the wind in their faces this started to give them a little more attacking impetus. Ryan Nicholls and Danny Norton, in particular, were combining well down the right-hand side.
Northen was starting to cause problems for the Rimington back line, and he broke forward, but his shot was well blocked by Kershaw. It was the same player again who after good work from O’Connell with the goal at his mercy, drilled his shot against the post.
The decision which lead to the winning goal came in the 67th minute, Norton jinked his way into the box, as the player went down under a challenge from another player, the referee decided there was sufficient contact to award a spot kick. This was arguably a slightly harsh decision, but O’Connell stepped up confidently to drill the ball into the back of the net.
Rimington FC made changes for the last 10 minutes and started to mount some concerted pressure on the Beverley goal, but the Town defence stood firm with Asa Pardoe and Dane Mortimer protecting the penalty area well.
Beverley Town move into the final of the Northern Counties Cup. This is a tremendous achievement from the club, who after winning the championship last year have now moved to another level and know the possibility of more silverware is only a game away. They will travel to Bolton to play Eagley F.C. on the 12th of April, who represent the Lancashire Football Association.
Town return to Humber Premeir League action this week with a tough home fixture against North Cave at the Norwood Recreation Ground, kick off 2pm. The club would like to thank all the supports who travelled to West Yorkshire they encouragement was invaluable.
Reported by Steve Mulligan
