West Riding County Cup First Round
Harrogate Railway 1-0 Pontefract Collieries
Dan Thirkell’s penalty first half was the difference as Harrogate Railway pulled off a big upset by beating a strong Pontefract Collieries outfit.
Railway defended exceptionally well against powerful Colls who only seven days ago were playing in front of 1700 people in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay at FC Halifax Town.
That was a crest of wave for the Colls but since then performances have been in keeping with the Halloween season – ghoulish.
Saturday’s 5-1 home defeat to Tadcaster Albion was disastrous and Craig Rouse now has a mini-break to recharge his side’s batteries.
Pontefract enjoyed a couple of early chances – notably Scott Smith’s shot against the post and substitute Vaughan Redford’s effort into the side-netting.
The decisive moment came five minutes before half-time when Thirkell sent Colls goalkeeper Ryan Musselwhite the wrong way from the penalty spot.
The visitors then had a strong penalty claim for handball turned down right on eminent referee Ian Johnston’s half-time whistle.
A lot of the second half was spent in Railway’s half.
Mick O’Connell’s men were disciplined despite huge pressure and they restricted their visitors to few clear-cut chances to hold onto a memorable victory.
The Teams
Harrogate Railway: Wilton, Hardcastle, McDaid (captain), Danby, Morris, Thirkell, Robinson (Mutch 80), Greenway (Ibrahimi 68), Shaw (Day 68), Crosby, Navier 75). Sub unused: Wade.
Pontefract Collieries: Musselwhite, Greenough, Bailey (Clarke 70), Lazenby, Shepherd, Brown, Rothery, Robson, Hinsley (Redford 19), Rangel (Vann 67), Smith. Subs unused: Williams, Brook.
Who Was In Charge
Ian Johnston (8/10)
How Many Were There
119
Man of the Match
Mike Morris (Harrogate Railway)
