Masham 1, Addingham 3

Addingham continued their quest for promotion to the Premier League with a gritty, determined display against a confident and resolute Masham side.

Buoyed by six straight wins Masham were looking to avenge their early season defeat at Addingham. Once again injuries decimated Addingham's team selection. Wells, Andy Collins, Chlebo, Hutchinson, Ridley, and both Michael and Carl Kernick were all unavailable.

Down to the bare bones of a first team Addingham were glad to have new signing Jimmy Denman available following his stunning debut the previous week when he hit three to set himself a real benchmark. In this game he hit a second hat-trick.

Right from the off second placed Addingham went at the Masham back line, Denman firing wide in the first minute. Seconds later disarray in the home defence saw the loose ball fall to the veteran Parker but his first time chip beat the stranded 'keeper only to skim the bar.

Having ridden their luck somewhat Masham began to regain composure and the game became a midfield dogfight, both sides vying to gain the upperhand. A neat move down the right saw Perkins feed Locke, his clever flick set up Denman who drilled a fierce drive that the Masham 'keeper spilled into his net.

With home advantage Masham began to gain slight control down their left flank in particular they forced Addingham's attacking line up back albeit with little end result. That changed on 20 minutes when Graves skipped down the wing before pulling the ball back for Boyle to blast home and restore parity.

With so many regulars out Addingham's play was disjointed and scrappy but with strikers as good as Locke and Denman they always carried a threat.

A tactical manoeuvre saw Addingham score the goals that ultimately won the contest. Galasso was switched in field with Perkins moving from third striker to right midfield. The extra man in central midfield freed Si Collins to support the attack down the centre.

Masham were relying heavily on a well drilled off-side trap but this was breached on 30 minutes. Locke again the provider as he set up Denman.

A quick glance at the linesman saw the flag stay down and Denman blasted his shot. Wetherill dived full length but could only tip the ball onto the inside of the post as Addingham regained the lead.

Within five minutes Denman had made it six in his last hour of football.

A Mills through ball fell invitingly for the Addingham striker and as the 'keeper came out Denman picked his spot and the visitors had a 3-1 lead.

With the half drawing to a close Denman once again raced clear. As he nicked the ball past Wetherill the 'keeper ploughed into him with little concern for the ball only for the referee to wave play on.

From an attacking sense the second-half was one to forget for Addingham but in truth that was down to the way Masham set about their task. With Denman hobbling badly they seized the initiative and dominated the second-half.

Addingham were under a constant barrage of pressure but some superb defending by the whole Addingham side restricted Masham to little in the way of clear cut chances. Masham's best chance came on 60 minutes when Marriot tripped Arnold. The offence was right on the edge of the area but the referee pointed to the spot. Madren scuffed the kick wide as Addingham breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Kennedey, Mills and Marriot were awesome at the back. With the strikers unable to gain good control up the park the Masham defenders were able to start attack after attack all of which were snuffed out by the back three. Shaw replaced Denman and could have made a real name for himself on his first team debut.

Addingham counter-attacked and Shaw found himself racing clear from his own half.

As he stumbled toward goal half the Masham team were able to get back and his final shot was pressured wide.

Despite the second-half onslaught Addingham were able to hang on and with the win show a different side to their game. The attacking force they hold often results in a high tally of goals against but games like this show they can defend with the best.

This result consolidates Addingham's position in second place with three games in hand on the third and fourth placed teams. With Thirsk Falcons looking unstoppable having won all 17 league games Addingham need to hang on to second spot for automatic promotion.

l On Saturday Addingham entertain runaway leaders Thirsk. All players meet at the pitch at 1.30 pm.