West Riding County Cup
Brighouse Town 1-0 Goole AFC
Brighouse Town manager Paul Quinn gave his club’s fans an early Christmas present by making a 15 minute cameo appearance
Tom Robinson’s second minute goal was the difference between Goole AFC and Brighouse Town, who finally returned to winning ways.
Draw specialists Brighouse had drawn six and lost two of their last eight games, prior to kick off.
Clearly anxious to end the winless run, Paul Quinn fielded a strong side in the third round tie. There were a couple of changes – notably Devonte Morton’s absence as he was cup-tied.
In any case, Robinson made sure Morton was not missed after his close range finish from Tom Dugdale’s sublime free kick was all Brighouse needed.
Goole did well, without causing too much danger for Brighouse goalkeeper Tom Taylor. David Taylor and Derry Robson’s men were organised and disciplined. The return of highly-rated young centre-back Jack McCarthy from a three game ban was a big boost as he was solid.
Brighouse’s position was put in jeopardy towards the end as defender Dan Illingworth was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Quinn then brought himself for a rare appearance to help see his side over the finish line – whilst also adding extra value to the admission price and giving Brighouse fans an early Christmas present.
Brighouse will play either Harrogate Railway or Ossett Town in the quarter-finals of the County Cup.
The Teams
Brighouse Town: Taylor, Harris, Pearson, Field, Illingworth, Pollard, Osborne, Haigh, Robinson, Stockdill, Dugdale. Subs: Bunch, Ashforth, Low, Parkin, Quinn.
Goole AFC: Beaurepaire, Shelley, Taylor, Stannard, McCarthy, Dunstable, Robson, Nicholson, Chambers, Head, Dennison. Subs: Johnson, Low, Jeff, Varley.