Sherburn White Rose FC went into their final West Yorkshire Premier league game needing a win to be assured of a top four finish, but unfortunately Sherburn failed to get the win required. After other results on the day a top four finish is still available but Sherburn need results to go the right way. On a positive note, a top five is assured which improves on last season's finish and is the highest West Yorkshire League position for 20 years or more. Congratulations to the 30 players that have represented the first team this season.

 

Another change to the starting eleven (the third game in a week) had Dave Haley , Ryan Hill , Alex Booth , Jamie Middleton , Simon Haddock and Lee Gemmell returning - Jamie Wainwright missed out due to injury. On paper it was a strong side and no excuses could be used on the day however rather disappointingly it had all the signs of a typical last game of the season performance. This was not good enough against a team playing for Premier League survival; their effort can only be applauded.

 

In the first half Bradley and Middleton made the GK work early on, Gemmell also went close but Sherburn struggled to get their passing game going on a difficult playing surface and the back line struggled against Howden Clough's direct play and they could have taken the lead on a couple of occasions. Sherburn did build some positive attacks and took the lead after good play from Gemmell and Middleton to allow Booth to score.

 

The second half started very well for Howden Clough, sloppy play from Sherburn allowed them to get chances and scored two goals in quick succession to take the lead. The game was now very open and both teams failed to score having created chances. Wilde replaced Williams and added some much needed commitment in central midfield, Booth was pushed up front to join Bradley and Middleton and all had chances to get a equaliser and a possible winner but it was not to be and to be honest probably not deserved.

 

Congratulations to Howden Clough on gaining survival the effort and desire they showed deserved no less.