Redcar Athletic pushed a strong York City side close before bowing out of the North Riding Senior Cup last night, as Norton and Billingham Town booked their places in the semi-finals of the Ernest Armstrong Cup.
Redcar lost 1-0 to the League Two Minstermen at Green Lane after they hit the crossbar and had a goal ruled out for offside.
Norton produced a goal avalanche in the Teesdale Park snow to win 5-1 at Thornaby, and Billingham Town have now won all three of their New Year games to date after beating Chester-le-Street 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the same Northern League second division competition.
York started with seven players who have made 73 first team appearances between them this season, but Redcar matched them in the first half with Jamie Lee commanding at the back and home keeper Matthew Berry didn’t have a save to make.
Berry made his first stop in the 51st minute when he got his body behind Ben Hirst’s low drive, but that only spurred Redcar into action as Kieran Stares had a 20-yard strike saved at the other end.
Redcar were a lick of paint away from taking the lead after the hour mark when Michael Woodhouse’s curling cross-shot from left hit the bar.
York went ahead six minutes later when Redcar defender Lee Blackburn conceded a penalty for bringing down Ben Godfrey, and Anthony Straker made no mistake from the spot.
There was still time for more drama as Stares drilled the ball into the net from 10 yards, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Redcar’s performance was so spirited that the York manager shook every one of the home players’ hands after the final whistle.
Norton did a clinical job on Thornaby in the Ernest Armstrong Cup despite making a raft of changes, as they put away their chances while the hosts were unable to take theirs.
Former Thornaby defender Michael Joseph started in central defence and Luke Johnson got the nod at right-back in place of the rested Danny O’Brien.
And while Norton held firm at the back with David Knight assured again it goal, it was their forwards who proved the big difference in horrendous conditions.
Gary Mitchell showed quick feet to put Norton one up from fellow former Thornaby player Rocky Andrews’ pass.
Thornaby defender Phil Horsman was unlucky as he scored an own goal while attempting to make a sliding clearance from a cross.
Harrison Davies put Norton 3-0 ahead before Joe Melvin pulled a goal back for Thornaby, his first for the club since re-signing from Marske.
Substitute Nicky Martin scored the Ancients’ fourth and Davies added the fifth with his second sublime finish of the evening.
Billingham Town have now won all three of their fixtures to start the New Year after beating Chester-le-Street on a freezing cold night at the Evolution Arena.
Town took the lead in impressive fashion on 12 minutes when Callam Brown took Stephen Jackson’s pass in his stride and stroked the ball past visiting keeper Aiden Aimes.
The Cestrians were back on level terms nine minutes later when Glen Hargrave scored after intercepting an under-hit Mattie Dixon back pass.
Both sides had chances before Town scored the winner following another flurry of snow that dusted the players and pitch.
Brown was brought down by keeper Aimes after some neat build-up play, and Drew Lambert kept his composure to maintain his 100% record from 12 yards by scoring from the penalty spot.
No comments:
Post a Comment