Going into this West Yorkshire Premier League game against 2008 league champions Carlton (congratulations to them on their success) Sherburn were missing a lot of players on Steven Wainwright's stag weekend: regular players Alex Booth, Jamie Wainwright and Simon Haddock not available also missing due to illness and other commitments Dave Haley, Rob Foreman and Matthew Wilde. Into the squad for this game came the promising 16 year olds James Beaston And Bradley Jordan. Ryan Hudson came into the starting eleven for the first time this season to partner 18 year old Danny Graham at centre half.

Neil Dixon, Jamie Middleton and Lee Gemmell were also in the starting eleven for the first time in recent weeks.

 

FIRST HALF

Carlton were awarded a free kick at the edge of the box within the first five minutes of the first half and scored after a cruel deflection took the ball into the net. Carlton playing their usual 3 5 2 and playing down the pitch were very direct putting long balls on Sherburn's very young back 4 where centre half's Danny Graham and Ryan Hudson (after settling into the game) coped very well supported by the impressive Ryan Hill at left back and Neil Dixon at right back. Carlton offered very little in open play but were awarded a penalty which they scored to go up 2 up. Sherburn playing a very attacking 4 3 3 and relying on counter attacks up the hill were rewarded with a good turn and finish 5 minutes before half time by midfielder Jamie Middleton in the box. Sherburn at times got the ball down and passed the ball from the back to build up play but were lacking in the final third.

HT 2 v 1 Carlton

 

SECOND HALF

Sherburn started the second half very well playing down the hill and Carlton noticeably struggling against the system of 4 3 3.

Playing out from the back and through each third of the pitch Sherburn using wingers stretched Carlton and created chances - Bradley, Williams and Preistly threatening supported well from midfield runners Middleton and Gemmell.

Sherburn equalised after a fantastic switch from Dixon to Williams who set up runner Gemmell to finish from edge of box. Sherburn were now dominant and were unlucky not to score again Bradley , Preistly , Williams and Middleton all had chances. Gemmell had to be replaced after 60 minutes through injury by 16 year old Beaston who did not let himself down and did well. Another 16 year old was introduced  Brad Jordan replaced Scott Williams (who had a good game) Sherburn went 4 4 2 to enable the youngsters to be able to have an influence. Marc Bradley then showed some brilliance when he came inside past 2 defenders and unleashed a shot from 22 yards to score to put Sherburn 3 v 2 up.

Carlton threatened little, captain on the day Simon Hudson had little to do but with the game nearly over the referee gave Carlton another penalty which they scored to make it 3 v 3 and that is how it finished.

 

Credit to Sherburn who respected the presentation of the trophy to Carlton and it is noted that the league officials gave good praise to all at Sherburn White Rose.