A midweek fixture away for Sherburn in the West Yorkshire Premier League against a fellow top four side and a team having a good season and are also setting the standard required in this league. On a night when other games were postponed due to torrential rain in the area respect is due to Knaresborough who managed to get the game on, it must be noted they do have one of, if not the best, pitch in the division.

 

Sherburn's squad was far removed from the previous game against champions Carlton, in fact 18 different players have been selected for the two games. Unavailable for this game were regular first team players Alex Booth, Lee Gemmell, Ryan Hill, Jamie Middleton, Dave Haley and Simon Haddock. Coming into the side from Saturday were Matthew Wilde (making his first start after his march transfer from div one side Kippax Athletic), Daz Horsefield returning at left back for the first time since September having had a good season in the 2nds and midfielder Steven Wainwright returned to the squad. Rob Foreman came back in at centre half also Club captain Jamie Wainwright was recalled into midfield and Ryan Hudson kept himself in the squad after a good performance on Saturday.

 

Sherburn started the game very bright in fact good work from the excellent 17 year old Priestly closing down the goal keeper ended up with the ball falling to Bradley who tried a clever finish and was very unlucky not to score in the first minute. A wave of Sherburn attacks continued for 20 minutes but Sherburn failed to capitalise. On a rare attack from Knaresborough, Sherburn failed to clear and gave the ball back too easily and with defenders on the wrong side enabled their forward to open the scoring. The half continued with Sherburn probing and scored a deserved equaliser through the hard working Jim Jollands.

 

The second half started well for the home side after another defensive error they took the lead with a very good finish from a chance that should not have arrived for them. Jamie Wainwright had to be replaced due to a injury picked up in the fist half and his vision and passing range was surely missed he was replaced by cousin Steven Wainwright who worked hard in midfield along side Wilde. Through front 3 players Williams, Bradley and Preistly, Sherburn continued to threaten and all had good chances to score and made the goal keeper and defenders work hard. Ryan Hudson replaced Neil Dixon to move Danny Graham to right back so he could join in attacks. With Sherburn committing forward Knaresborough broke on the counter attack to make it 3-1, though they could not relax on this lead as Sherburn only play one way and that is to not give up and attack. Well done to Knaresborough on the night to hold out for a win and let it be noted they are a very good side who will also get better and good luck for next season. Good news for the league they also are having a new clubhouse built so all the best with that. 

 

This was a Jekyll and Hyde performance by Sherburn - good in possession, but very poor out of possession.

Sherburn now go into their last fixture at Howden Clough on Saturday already assured of a top six finish but need a win to be assured of a top four finish.