Hambleton Black Sheep Brewery League
Challenge Cup Final
Sportsmans FC 0 Henleys Athletic 2

TWO goals in three first-half minutes from Nathan Clarke and Ben Palmer saw Henleys Athletic gain cup final revenge on Sportsmans FC at Northallerton on Thursday of last week.

Henleys went in front in the 34th minute when Clarke, who had only just headed over from close range, scored with a superb strike from 30 yards. It was the first goal the Sporties had conceded in the competition this season and it was quickly followed by another just three minutes later.

Adam Croft whipped in a dangerous corner from the left and Palmer rose highest atthe farpostto sendapowerfulheader past goalkeeper Michael Corps.

The second half became a bad-tempered, niggly affair as Sporties’ frustrations began to get the better of them. Alex Cailsey, Scott McNichol and Anderson all went into referee John Havelock’s notebook as the final threatened to explode.

However, the Sporties did create the better of the chances as Ramsbottom was denied by Moore, while Anderson and Andy Ramsbottom both failed to find the target from good positions.

Henleys always looked dangerous on the counter attack, with Clarke a constant menace and Fletcher’s pace and hard work often stretching the Sporties defence, but they were unable to add to their total in the closing stages.