Sherburn White Rose FC managed to beat County Cup holders and West Yorkshire League runners up Bardsey for the first time in five attempts to qualify for the high profile final on April 13th bank holiday Monday at Tadcaster Albion FC 3pm kick off. Sherburn will now play a very strong and a much improved Aberford Albion in this game and no doubt about it, to win this cup will take a huge effort.

Bardsey decided to change their system from the usual 3-5-2 to  4-4-2  which helped Sherburn to get a strong foothold in the game. The opening 20 mins possession was dominated by Sherburn but the lack of quality in the final third meant they were unable to make any attack count. As Bardsey settled into their new system they grew into the game. In fact they could have taken the lead on two occasions from long balls and set plays into the penalty area but GK Simon Hudson was more than a match for their efforts.

As the game became stretched towards the end of  the half Marc Bradley's exquisite pass through the back line allowed Jim Jollands after a great forward run from centre midfield to score past the advancing goal keeper for Sherburn to take the lead. A similar run from Alex Booth put him into the same good scoring position but the GK this time forced his effort just wide.

The first half ended 1-0 to Sherburn. 

The second half began with Bardsey the strongest after an obvious strong motivation talk from their manager but this only lasted 15 mins at most. Sherburn regained their composure and began to pass and retain possession very well - helped by a pitch which was in excellent condition considering the recent weather. Wide players Williams and Middleton became more of a threat supported well from fullbacks Hill and Graham. At times only a better finish from players in the box kept the score at 1-0 .

Bardsey threatened little from open play, the back line coping very well and playing out with quality. A fine attacking move once again with Williams and Booth involved found Jollands on another excellent run beyond the forwards to score to make it 2-0. Bardsey were reduced to ten men with 20 mins left after their goal keeper brought down the excellent young Adam Priestley at the edge of the box when through on goal with a cruel challenge. Bardsey made the strange decision to put their best player in goal but in saying that he did make two excellent saves to deny Williams and Bradley. Bradley broke clear of their now weak back line only to hit the cross bar with a lob; Williams also hit the bar from a good effort.

Bardsey did score from a set play to set up a nervous final 8 minutes but were unable to hit the target from the chances they had. Sherburn had counter attack situations in these last minutes but could not score from these but held on to win the game.

This was an excellent performance on the day against a good side and to finally get a result against them with 7 players 21 years or younger is a credit to you all.