Guiseley in semi-finals without kicking a ball (From Wharfedale Observer)

Guiseley in semi-finals without kicking a ball

5:38pm Wednesday 2nd December 2009

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AFTER their walk over in the quarter-finals of the Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup Guiseley AFC will travel to play Otley Town in the semi-finals not yet having kicked a ball in the competition.

In the first round they drew Trinity University, Horsforth, who at the last minute opted to withdraw from the competition stating that if they were to beat Guiseley they would not be around for the later stages of the competition with the semi-finals and final usually in the student holidays.

Guiseley were then drawn at home to Guiseley Red Lion in the quarter-finals but due to their first team being at home in the FA Trophy, as the rules provide they offered to reverse the fixture.

Red Lion agreed to this but on the morning of the tie rang Guiseley to say that the Micklefield Park pitch was waterlogged.

They failed to call in a referee and the match referee actually visited the ground and declared it fit. Red Lion were dismissed from the competition and fined by the Wharfedale FA Executive.

Guiseley thus move through to the semi-finals of this Resource Print Solutions sponsored competition not having kicked a ball in anger.

The Lancashire League side will now face a stern test at West Yorkshire League side Otley Town.

Unfortunately the game on Saturday, December 19, will not see the clash between the Davey brothers as younger brother James, a rising star in the Tow ranks, will be at a wedding while Guiseley skipper Chris will be taking his usual role in his side’s midfield engine room.

Otley Town overcame Bramhope 4-2 in their quarter-final.

West Yorkshire League side Pool AFC will face West Riding County Amateur League side Yeadon Ventus Celtic in the other semi-final on December 19. Pool had a thrilling game with underdogs Otley Rovers with the score 5-5 after extra-time and going to penalties. Pool won 5-4 on penalties.

Pool had the fright of their lives against the Harrogate League side.

Pool’s goals came from Matthew Cheetham, Michael Jordan, Neil Hebden, Matthew White and Joe Anslow.

It was an unlucky day for Rovers striker Scott Cater. The 23 year-old home for weekend leave from the RAF, netted a brilliant four goals but ended up on the losing side. Their other goal came from Max Drake.

Ventus overcame Ilkley town 2-1 to bag their semi-final spot. It was a great win for the West Riding County Amateur League Division One side.

They took the lead through Adam Turner just before the interval and he added another in the second-half in a game, like the others, played in driving rain.

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