MATCH REPORTS FOR SUNDAY MAY 4TH 2008

THE JFC SPORTS TROPHY FINAL

The Week-end opened up with the much hurried arrangement of this Final. It was at Bracken Edge on Friday May 2nd and it brought together the Premiership Team and favourites Hope FC to do battle with Third Division Pudsey 2005 who gained entry to the Final after Hunslet Green withdrew. Both these two Finalists were quite capable of putting on a show and the good attendance that had gathered were not to be disappointed. Referee Mike Davey was in charge. A liveley opening ten minutes as both teams sorted each other out and then on 12 minutes it was Hope who sent out the first warning as they scored through Glen Roberts to open up a 1-0 advantage. This shook Pudsey a little as they tried to re-group and settle the match down. After some end to end exchanges Hope again found a flaw in the Pudsey Defence and on 20 minutes John Chadwick put the ball into the Pudsey net to record a 2-0 lead for Hope. Things were not lookibg bright for Pudsey but they rallied and seven minutes later they opened their account as Danny Smith scored for Pudsey 2005. At 2-1 down Pudsey now began to look more settled as the half hour mark passed they were equalling the Hope play with some hard work. However Hope silenced the Pudsey cheers with a goal just before Half Time on 43 minutes when John Dolan gave Hope a 3-1 cushion, immediately Grant Jackson replied for Pudsey and at the Interval Hope led 3-2. The second half was just as good with the entertainment level rising every minute and the spectators of both camps urging their favourites on. Ten minutes into the second half and Hope produced another fine goal as Josef Rozycki gave Hope a 4-2 cushion. Pudsey now had their work cut out and Hope could ill afford to ease off. Pudsey who never let up were rewarded for their determination with a 71 minute penalty and Mark Pickles put the ball into the left hand side of the Hope net just out of reach of Dave Mitchell at full stretch in the Hope goal. 4-3 to The Hope and still plenty of time for Pudsey to get back into the match. This they did and after 84 minutes a second goal from Grant Jackson put them right in it again at 4-4. The closing stages were now set for some nail biting moments as extra time beckonedHope Captain Phil Cuffe gave Hope a the edge with a fine goal that sealed victory for Hope 5-4. A very good Cup Final full of everything that is needed, enjoyment, entertainment and sporting spirit. Well done to all.

THE MSF MOTORS CUP FINAL

Postponed Twice since Easter, this Final was long overdue and when it did eventually get the Green Light it was very disappointing, a very sparce gathering of Spectators watched a very one sided affair Between Holders and firm favourites Halton Moor and fellow Premiership rivals Middleton Plantation in their first bid to lift the MSF Trophy. Their was little for the faithful Middleton Plantation support to cheer as Halton Moor dominated very long periods of both halves. Halton Moor scored twice in the first half with strikes from Steve Mallory and Steve Palfrey to give them a 2-0 lead at the interval. The Plantation Defence worked very hard to keep that score at a minimum and were sadly lacking the pace up front that absentee striker Danny Bray usually provided. In the second half it was virtually the same Middleton Plantation continued to defend bravely as the Halton Moor attacks came in waves. As Middleton Plantation had no substitutes and an injury was thrown up, they found themselves in a worst position as they were reduced to 10 men. Halton Moor showed little mercy or respect for their Premiership opposition as they doubled the score with two second half goals from Andy Watson and Tom Claise. The final whistle was a great relief to battling Middleton Plantation and Halton Moor retained the MSF Motors Trophy 4-0. A very good all round performance from Halton Moor against a Middleton Plantation team that had been handed a very difficult Final but gave it their best shot.

MSF PREMIER DIVISION

Hunslet Green crossed city to take on Red Star Harehills at Roundhay Park in what was basically the decider for Hunslet Green in their bid to lift the Premier title. Red Star who were long term leaders of the Division had been overtaken by Hunslet Green earlier and also by Hope. However with the end of the season just one week away and Roundhay Atletic declining to complete their last two fixtures it was down to this fixture as whether Hunslet Green were Champions should they win. Red Star put up a decent enough. Hunslet Green duly obliged with a 4-1 win over Red Star. The match was not a classic but the energy from both sides was evident in a game that saw Red Star squander their chances and Hunslet Green taking theirs. Hunslet Green scorers were Lee Parker, Ryan Boden 2 and a penalty conversion from Jason Bradley. Red Star goal from Curtis Bernard.

DIVISION TWO

Acorn and Wykebeck wrapped up their season as they met at Bramley Falls. Home team Acorn gave the Champions a run for their money as they split the points in a 3-3 stalemate that had goals for Wykebeck from neil Myland who completed a hat trick and Acorn replied with a hat trick from Sam Waterson.

DIVISION THREE

Pudsey 2005 stepped one match closer in their title bid as they defeated a brave effort from Destiny. Destiny never gave up in this match played at a lively pace. Pudsey picked up all the points with a 4-2 win and had goals from Ashley Forber, Mark Gibbons, David Gibbons and Danny Budge. Destiny goals from Salahudeen Raufu who scored twice.

DIARY DATE

THE LEEDS FA SUNDAY SENIOR CUP FINAL
HALTON MOOR V HT SPORTS ELLAND ROAD WEDNESDAY MAY 14TH 7.30PM