Toolstation NCEL Division One
Yorkshire Amateur 3-1 Selby Town
Ash Flynn celebrates scoring in Yorkshire Amateur’s 3-1 win over Selby Town. Picture: Malcolm Bryce
Ruthless Yorkshire Amateur kept their hopes of finishing in the top two alive by defeating brave Selby Town, who gave absolutely everything.
Ash Flynn (2) and Fernando Moke secured the Ammers their victory. Selby had their hosts on the rack for the last 20 minutes after Liam Flanagan’s fine strike, until Flynn sealed the victory one minute into added time.
The Leeds-based side are five points behind second-placed Eccleshill United with eight games remaining and will require some snookers to claim that spot.
Although play-offs chasing Selby remain in control of their own destiny with nine games remaining, things are conspiring against them – such as an unnecessary postponement and the ridiculous date placement of the West Riding County Cup final.
Both teams served up a throughly entertaining encounter. The Ammers, who were deserved winners, taking advantage of a slow start from Selby made a big difference. Moke nipped in for the opener following poor defending.
Selby’s man of the match goalkeeper Paul Hagreen kept his side in it with two fantastic saves from Flynn.
That’s when Selby sprang into action. Magic man Joe Dale went on an unbelievable run down the left and even got round goalkeeper Graham McLachlan. However, the easy part was the finish, which let Dale down as he blazed over from four yards.
Dale was also involved for the last chance of the first half. His shot across goal found Flanagan and the striker was prevented from scoring by McLachlan who bravely threw himself in front of the ball.
The missed opportunities inevitably came back to haunt Selby. Christian Fox’s men were caught out on the counter-attack and all it took was a few touches for the second goal to be scored. The ball was sent up to Flynn. His first touch was exquisite and it took him away from his defender. Then, with his second after spotting Hagreen off his line, the former AFC Emley striker lobbed the visiting goalkeeper from 30 yards.
Selby refused to lie down and they will have had their rivals biting their finger nails for 20 yards as Flanagan opened the doors up for a potential comeback. Liam Snodin made the break from his new-found left-back slot and passed to Flanagan. The striker then cut inside on the left-side of the penalty area. He then planted an audacious effort into the far stanchion.
For Selby, unfortunately it was not to be though. After surviving an onslaught thanks to superb defending, the Ammers raced away on the counter-attack again and Flynn finished it off with a simple tap-in.
The Teams
Yorkshire Amateur: McLachlan, Marsden, Henry (captain), Sharry, Hitching, Maynard, Tiani, Blakey, Flynn, Moke, St Juste. Subs: Charlton, Pickering, Kitao, Shaw.
Selby Town: Hagreen, Pearse, Snodin, Snaith, Gothard (captain), Kennedy, Collier, Bilton, Flanagan, Clamp, Dale. Subs: Gray, Lock, Woodhead, Metcalfe, Foster-Vigors.
Who Was In Charge
Peter Creagh (10/10)
Referee Peter Creagh
Another excellent refereeing display. Young Mr Creagh has shown great potential this season. He is calm and measured, and reluctant to use his cards.
How Many Were There
TBA
Man of the Match
Paul Hagreen (Selby Town)
Selby Town goalkeeper Paul Hagreen