Sherwood 5

Burley Trojans 2

(after extra time)

Trojans came within minutes of claiming a major scalp as they gave unbeaten Premier Division leaders Sherwood a real fright in their League Cup tie in Harrogate.

As one would expect from the top two sides in the Harrogate League the standard of play was out of the top drawer and Trojans were not daunted by either the massive playing area or the pedigree of their opponents, many who have experience of playing at a much higher level.

Trojans raced into a two goal lead which left Sherwood stunned as it was completely against the run of play. Midfielder Richard Wood opened the scoring on 15 minutes meeting Stu Copley's hanging cross and although 'keeper Simon Old blocked his first effort Wood followed up to score. A belated off-side flag from the home linesman was rightly overruled by referee Graham Morris.

A brilliant move involving Jonny Lofthouse and Gaz Goodison saw Chris Connolly set up Copley who cut inside and unleashed a powerful drive which left Old helpless.

For all Sherwood's possession they created very few clear cut chances and Trojans' back five played as a unit and constantly frustrated their opponents. The impressive Liam Gray, along with the experienced Eamon Elliot dictated play from midfield but they lacked the cutting edge up front to make the breakthrough. Keeper Chris Hargreaves stood tall between the posts denying Sherwood time and again. When the big 'keeper did need assistance he found Chris Lockwood and Chris Worts on hand to help out and clear the danger. Adam Walker blazed over when it looked easier to score and strike partner Danny Gill got little change form Stuart Dibb. Sherwood's tendency to want to walk the ball into the net often allowed Trojans to get men behind the ball when a more direct approach may have yielded more positive results.

It was far from one-way traffic and Lofthouse gave Sean Wilkinson a torrid time, the left back being extremely fortunate to go unpunished for a number of crude challenges. Goodison, along with Copley, also looked sharp and caused the uncertain Sherwood rearguard problems all afternoon. After the break the home side became increasingly frustrated at their inability to break Trojans down with Hargreaves continued to pull off a string of breathtaking saves which justifiably earned him match point.

With 20 minutes remaining Gill tempted Lockwood into a rash challenge and the excellent Mr Morris had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Gill picked himself up to slot home.

Could the tiring Trojans hang on? Wave after wave of green and white swept forward but often desperate defending kept them out. Then with just five minutes to go Dibb challenged for a high ball and fell to the ground with a head injury. In fairness to the referee there was not really time for him to stop play before the ball was returned to the danger areas where Gill scored with ease.

There was still time for Trojans to threaten and, following good work from substitute Tom McDermott, Lofthouse screwed his shot wide. In the last action of the 90 minutes Gill dived theatrically under Lofthouse's well timed challenge but the referee was unimpressed and so the tie went into extra-time. Gray, who had been a constant thorn in Trojans side, finally put his side ahead after two minutes. All Trojans could muster in response was a series of half chances which failed to trouble Old whilst Sherwood attacked at will and finally added two late goal from Walker and Gill. The game ended on a sour note as the home side began to showboat, showing no respect for their opponents.

Wood, amongst others, took exception and, following his late challenge there was a fracas involving most of the outfield players and a number of home supporters. With Trojans out on their feet and the game won there was no excuse for this total lack of respect and sportsmanship.

l Trojans once again travel to Sherwood on Saturday in the Senior Cup, kick-off 2.30pm. Players meet at the Cricket Club at 1.15pm.