Wharfedale u-17s 5 Leeds u-17s 1

This was a great result for Wharfedale FA’s under-17 side as they battled to secure a semi-final spot in the West Riding County FA Minor Cup.

They played a strong, battling Leeds FA team at Otley Town’s Old Showfield ground on Saturday and after the win were left awaiting the result of an as yet unplayed final group game between Craven FA and Bradford FA to ensure a place in the semi-finals against Group B leaders Huddersfield FA at County HQ at Woodlesford.

Bradford have to beat Craven by 15 clear goals to prevent Wharfedale from gaining a semi-final spot in their group behind leaders Barkston Ash.

The first goal of the match came after a through ball was collected by Ben Taylor who slotted past the ‘keeper to make it 1-0.

Ten minutes later Leeds FA levelled.

Wharfedale conceded a free-kick and when the ball was played in from the left it was forced home from close range.

For the next few minutes Wharfedale were pegged back with Leeds starting to put some critical passes together.

Just before half time, a great through ball from Stephen Smith was pounced on by Dylan Palfreyman who made it 2-1.

Ten minutes after the interval, Wharfedale found themselves 4-1 up after two quick goals which shocked the Leeds players.

Both came from moves down the left with vital crosses from Palfreyman which were met both times with finishes by Nathan McConnell.

With Wharfedale continually pushing forward for more goals, McConnell claimed his hat-trick after his shot took a deflection off a defender and looped over the ‘keeper.

Wharfedale FA Squad: Greg Moorhouse (Guiseley Academy); Bailey Worcester (Horsforth St Margaret’s), Simon Hall (Horsforth St Margaret’s), Josh Snowden (Guiseley U-17s), Myles Foley (Guiseley U-16s); Joel Thompson (Guiseley Academy) replaced by Stephen Smith (Guiseley Juniors), Jake Chambers (Menston Juniors) replaced by George Gomersall (Guiseley Juniors), Will Wells (Guiseley Academy), Ben Taylor (Guiseley Academy);replaced by Benji Claydon (Ilkley Juniors ); Dylan Palfreyman (Horsforth St Margaret’s/Guiseley Academy), Nathan McDonnell (Guiseley Academy). Sub not used: Will Patterson (Guiseley U-16s).