Pontefract Collieries U17’s – 3 v 3 – Hemsworth Terriers U17’s

A referee decision, ill discipline and fighting spirit were the talking points of this incident packed Invitation Cup Quarter Final tie at Beechnut Lane.

With litrally 5 minutes on the clock, Hemsworth’s striker beat the outside trap and rounded the keeper for what looked like a certain goal, however Brad Shaw managed to “clear” the ball off the line for a corner.

For the majority of the spectators in the ground, it was a clear hand ball, but the referee awarded the corner.  At this point the Hemsworth players tried their hardest to convince the referee other wise.  Unfortunately, their discipline let them down and resulted in 2 players being sent to the stands.

After a brief delay the football began, but was in danger of turning ugly.  The loss of 2 players, spurred Hemsworth on, and after 20 minutes they were awarded a penalty, which was despatched to give home keeper Sykes no chance.

Hemsworth shocked the home side again, by doubling their lead on 44 minutes, as again the home defence was breeched.

After a couple of positional changes at the break, it looked like the home side would make the 2 player advantage tell on their near neighbours, but 10 minutes in, it was Hemsworth who worked the ball well to force another penalty which would have surely settled the game.  However on this occasion the spot kick was missed and Pontefract had a life line.

The home side sniffed blood and when Joel Drury took advantage of a fumble by the keeper on the hour mark it was game on.  With the visitors tiring, Pontefract piled forward and got the equaliser through Mackenzie Northern (although the centre half can count himself unlucky by taken a wicked deflection of his knee which fooled the keeper).  After a few ½ chances from the home side, the game went into Extra Time.  Pontefract went in front for the 1^st time, when centre half come striker Ryan Waugh, made it 3-2.

But the never say die attitude of Hemsworth, who were out on their feet at this point, made it 3-3, but keeper Andy Sykes won’t be happy with his work on the line, letting the ball squeeze through his legs.  Ryan Roper blotted his copy book by getting sent off for dissent 5 minutes before the end.

There was still time for the winner, but after a long 120 minutes of football a replay is required to settle the tie.

To view a full Facebook photo album from the game, click here