Bedale AFC Reserves 6 Hampsthwaite FC 3

BEDALE hosted Hampsthwaite FC in the Colin Lowe Memorial Premier Division. The heavy overnight and morning rain had been soaked up by the pitch, which was in perfect condition.

Bedale had the first real chance after 6’ when Adrian Woodward (AJ) passed to Ryan Moule in the Hampsthwaite penalty area. He found Mikey Stevens, who hit the post, the loose ball being collected by Hampsthwaite 'keeper Jordan Latimer. His long clearance was chased down by Ethan Slade, who stroked his shot past the advancing Bedale 'keeper Josh Skittrall.

Bedale hit back and equalised on 12’. Right back Michael Ingram put Bedale captain Jack Jennings through down the right. He was clumsily upended in the Hampsthwaite penalty area. John Henry scored the resultant penalty.

Four minutes later, Bedale took the lead when Sam McNaughton’s left-wing corner was met by AJ at the far post. His bullet-like header ending in the roof of the Hampsthwaite net.

Hampsthwaite hit back with Skittrall making a fine save to protect Bedale’s lead. On 34’ Bedale were awarded a free kick just outside the Hampsthwaite penalty area. Jonny Coombs' free kick flew just wide of the left hand upright of the Hampsthwaite goal, with Latimer struggling to get across.

Immediately after, Moule gained possession on the left of the Hampsthwaite penalty area and his cross was headed on by Reece Bickerton past the advancing Latimer to put his side 3-1 up. On 44’ Moule gained possession inside the Hampsthwaite penalty area and hit a fine right foot shot past Latimer from eight yards. Half time 4-1.

Hampsthwaite were kicking downhill in the second half and took the game to Bedale, which resulted in them scoring after 50’ when James McLeod took advantage of some poor defending and shot past Skittrall. A minute later his brother John took advantage of some more poor defending by Bedale and scored to make it 4-3. On 56’ Will McWhinney replaced Jonny Coombs and Alex Sands replaced Jack Jennings. Hampsthwaite pressed for an equaliser, however, Skittrall in the Bedale goal made two brilliant saves in the space of three minutes to preserve his side's lead.

On 66’ manager Dave Proud replaced Bickerton. A minute later, Josh Fullarton put Moule through down the left wing. He cut in past his marker and two more men before laying the ball off to Sands, who shot past Latimer from ten yards. On 75’ McNaughton returned to replace Henry.

Deep into injury time, Mikey Stevens broke down the left wing past two defenders before passing to the right to Sands, who scored his second goal of the game. Final score 6-3. James McLeod was Hampsthwaite’s man of the match, with Ryan Moule taking it for Bedale.

Bedale AFC Reserves next game is away to Beckwithshaw Saints firsts in the Colin Lowe Memorial Premier Division of the Harrogate and District Association Football League on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.