Beckwithshaw 3

Yew Tree 0

After last week's disappointing 5-2 home defeat by a superior Baildon Trinity side, Yew Tree faced just as tricky opposition in Premier League pacesetters Beckwithshaw Saints in this League Challenge Cup tie.

Yew Tree welcomed back Scott Richmond but missed influential veteran full-back Richard Danskin and youngsters Paul Thompson and Gwyn Flesher who were both suffering from influenza.

To say that the pitch was in a fit state after two days of torrential rain is clearly an understatement and indeed the referee only decided at the eleventh hour that the fixture should actually go ahead, much to the surprise of both sets of players.

Yew Tree commenced the fixture in a very positive frame of mind and matched Beckwithshaw's desire to progress into the next round stride for stride.

This was beautifully demonstrated by inspirational 'keeping from the athletic Tony Kirk, whose series of breathtaking saves, many from point blank range, left the supporters in raptures.

Unfortunately, Kirk found himself picking the ball out of the back of the net on two occasions after sublime finishing from Beckwithshaw's Pat Francis and their recent capture from Harrogate Town, Malcolm Hunter.

Yew Tree's resilience in the quagmire was certainly commendable but their normal passing game was kept to a bare minimum and chances certainly did come their way.

Firstly to Scott Richmond, whose goal bound shot was foiled by the onrushing 'keeper, and Tony Murrell, whose header rebounded off both posts before being gathered by the Beckwithshaw 'keeper.

A change in tactics for the second-half by Yew Tree's manager Simon Malpass, saw Richard Field drop into a deeper midfield role and his brother Robbie push forward to aid in the search for a quick riposte.

Unfortunately a cumbersome tackle on Richard Field meant that Yew Tree found themselves one man down after all substitutions had been exhausted.

This after Will Johnsbie had pulled up in discomfort after a surging run down the left flank only seconds earlier.

This did not deter the goal hungry Yew Tree midfield and this was summed up with a piece of sublime forethought from Malpass.

Having waltzed out of defence, leaving three midfielders in his wake, he played a perfect one-two with substitute Andre Holland.

Quite unbelievably he then launched a 60 yard lob which agonisingly rattled the woodwork.

With Lady Luck clearly pointing in their direction Beckwithshaw managed a scrambled effort when the game was effectively dead and buried.

Yew Tree were obviously not overawed in the presence of this Premier League outfit but it is clear that consistency is the key if Yew Tree are to make more of a marked impression in coming weeks.

The undisputed Man-of-the-Match was Tony Kirk.