Hambleton Black Sheep Brewery League Frank Bainbridge Cup Semi Final

Henleys Athletic 0

Northallerton Police 3

NORTHALLERTON POLICE roared into the final of the Frank Bainbridge Cup last Sunday as a brace from Wayne Thompson and a strike from Ben Darville saw off the challenge of Henleys Athletic at Bedale High School.

However, the win was slightly overshadowed by an injury to goalscoring hero Thompson who will now face a battle to be fit for April's final.

With nothing to choose between the sides in the league this season a closely-contested cup tie was expected, but the Police eased to victory with first half goals from Thompson and Darville and a second from Thompson after the break.

After a cagey opening ten minutes, the first chance fell the way of the hosts when Stu Adams broke down the left but his powerful shot was well saved by Police goalkeeper Richard Schofield.

However, it was Police who went in front in the 18th minute. Michael Gunnell's long throw was inadvertently flicked on by a Henleys' defender into the path of Thompson who's first time shot flew into the top right-hand corner of the net.

The Police looked in control now as Thompson came close to a second when he dragged a shot wide from a good position before Darville's attempted chip was saved by home goalkeeper Adam Pearson.

But four minutes before the break it was 2-0. Gunnell broke down the left and his low cross was met by Darville just ahead of Pearson, and the ball entered the net via the goalkeeper's body.

The tie was then all over within three minutes of the restart when the Police added a third. A lovely move involving Darville and Kalumn Holbrook saw the latter lay the ball off to Thompson who smashed a shot past Pearson from 20 yards. However, the goalscorer was challenged by defender Ben Palmer in the act of shooting and received an nasty ankle injury which meant he could play no further part in the match. He now faces a race against time to be fit for the final

Although Henleys had the advantage of the strong wind in the second half, they were unable to find a way back into the tie. The nearest they came to a consolation was a 57th minute free kick from Josh Knox which was headed off the line by Ashley McInerney.

In fact the margin of Police victory would have been greater in the end had it not been for late saves from Pearson to deny both Darville and Holbrook.

The final, which will take place at the Calvert Stadium on April 9, will see the Police face either Sportsmans FC or Broughton Hibs, who meet on February 22.