Back Row L to R
Bill Douglas(Manager) Rob Foreman, Chris Walker, Marc Newton, John Worsnop,
Martyn Woolford, Darren Holmes, Craig Edwards, Gareth Lloyd, Alex Hanson,
Gareth Heald, Anthony Griffith, Andy Seed, Brian Tate(Coach).
Front Row L to R
Danny Empsall, Chris Reynolds, Chris Thomas, Stuart Holmes, Matt Muscroft,
Kevin Waite(Coach)
Glasshoughton Welfare 3
Kellingley Welfare 2
The final of the Challenge Cup proved to be as close and competive as
anticipated with Glasshoughon edging out the holders in the last quarter.
Glasshoughton kept faith with the youngters and played their academy team
with an average age of under 19. Marc Newton was the only change to last
weeks starting line up coming in for the suspended Andrew Seed. Both teams
started tentatively and chances were few until Kellingley failed to clear a
corner and MARTYN WOOLFORD scored from close range. Glasshoughton enjoyed a
long spell of possession and could have increased their lead with more
controlled finishing. At this stage, Kellingley's only bright spot was an
effort which was disallowed for a foul on the keeper. The first half was
drawing to a close with Glasshoughton still enjoying the best of the
exchanges until a momentary lapse allowed JAMIE BIRD to escape his marker
and score the equaliser against his former team mates.
The second half opened explosively with an early goal for Glasshoughton. A
quick break found WOOLFORD who's effort on goal looped over Lee Joynt to put
the youngsters back in front. The lead was short lived however, as
Glasshoughton conceeded a needless penalty which EDDIE WILSON converted to
even the scores once more. Kellingley then took the initiative and began to
boss the game and looked the more likely winners at this stage.
Glasshoughton responded by changing formation and immediately gained more
possession and control of the game. It still required an outstanding stop by
Darren Holmes to keep the scores level and Glasshoughton edged the latter
stages of the game. The winner came with 10 minutes to go and it was one of
the games most influential players who claimed the glory. MATTHEW MUSCROFT
picked up a half clearance and hit a controlled shot past Joynt from 12
metres. Fitness, enthusiasm and a maturity beyond their age saw
Glasshoughton home.
This was another outstanding effort from Glasshoughton's " academy" who must
be the youngest team to have contested the final of the Castleford Cup.
Stuart Holmes won the Walker Steel man of the match award with significant
contributions from Anthony Griffith, Marc Newton and Danny Empsall. Richard
Maughan set a tremendous example for Kellingley with Shaun Oldfield and Bird
always dangerous.
