Shield Final Report

Yorkshire Old Boys;’ Shield Final

At WRCFA HQ, Fleet Lane, Woodlesford

Drighlington 1 Farsley Celtic Juniors 4

HT 1-0

and then 1-0 ht 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4.

The game was played in ideal conditions and on a super pitch. The excellent changing facilities and the long stand for spectators along one side of the pitch, helped make this a memorable afternoon for all involved. Attendance difficult to assess but I would say at least 200 with the gate receipts producing £240 with concessions included. The Shield Secretary Carol Burnell arranged the production of the programme and the result was a well produced Cup Final magazine. It is appropriate to thank our Shield Secretary Carol for her work behind the scenes in looking after the Shield throughout the year and to Brian Peel to thank him for his total involvement in the cause of the Old Boys Shield.

Farsley kicked into the WRCFA HQ so to speak, and edged the opening minutes, but it was Mark Beal who opened the scoring with a shot from some 10 or so yards out after a poor clearance, and all this left Jordan Wright in the Farsley goal stranded. Both sides experienced difficulty in controlling the ball and the final pass often went astray but an enjoyable, competitive encounter. Farsley shuffled the pack and brought the effective Said Osman over to the right. Crosses from both flanks from Farsley but the Drig defence coped well although a couple of half chances for Farsley failed to trouble the Drighlington keeper Ivan Willis.

In the second half Drighlington started the brighter of the two teams but against the run of play a clearance from Drig was misdirected and Jason Maskill put the elusive Joe Firth through on goal and his shot left the Drighlington keeper without any chance of making a save, This was the catalyst that ensured that Farsley would take charge of midfield and create the goals necessary to win the tie comfortably, although a close range drive from Drighlington, in a goalmouth mêlée, hit a Farsley defender on the line but was unceremoniously cleared. Farsley never wasted a pass under the direction of Craig Farrand and Andy Shields in central midfield. After 65 mins Farsley took the lead. Louis Surtees raced down the right and outpaced the Drig defence. Louis delivered a wonderful cross along the ground that the in-rushing Danny Lyons rifled home; this reflected the state of the game with Jordan Wright having to deal with loose balls into the box in the main. By the 26th minute Farsley killed off the game by adding a third when a long free kick from Craig Farrand was flicked on and ideal for Danny Lyons who beat the keeper coming off his line with a powerful drive. Little pressure from the usually free scoring Drighlington attack with 20 minutes to go Farsley notched their fourth and enabled Danny Lyons to complete his brilliantly executed hat trick. The electric Tez Ncube came into the fray and delighted all and sundry with his speed off the mark and his ability to run with he ball. He won a race with the Drig defence and provided Danny Lyons with a chance that only a player with the finishing expertise of Danny could convert. Farsley hired a coach and a most enjoyable journey back to Leeds beckoned. The final whistle and our spectators seemed happy with their afternoon's entertainment with the Farsley managemetn team of Barry and Adam Thirsk all smiles. Thanks to the officials led by referee Richard Asher who was assisted by Mark Smith and Roger Byrne.

Teams:

Drighlington: Ivan Willis, Tom Farrar, Joao Viegas, Andy Punter, Mark Beal, Bailey Collington, James Bradd (Capt), Ryan Rhodes, Shane Sowden, Harvey Booth, Sam Thorpe: Subs: Brett Thompson, Joe Hirst, Anthony Thompson.

Farsley Celtic Jun Res:

Jordan Wright, Louis Surtees (capt), Said Osman, Andy Shields, Paul Dockerty, Dave Walker, Craig Farrand, Lee Ranson, Danny Lyons, Joe Firth, Josh Maskill: Subs: Tez Ncube, Alex Gyte and Ben Wilson.