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Police vs WMC Northallerton Police (the holders) entertained Northallerton Working Mens Club (Workies) in the second round of the Hambleton Ales League Cup at Newby Wiske last Sunday. For the second Sunday running there had been an overnight hoar-frost. Referee Jim Wilson inspected the pitch and decided the game could go ahead. Police started the more strongly of the two teams and had more possession but were unable to create any clear cut chances. The workies defence held firm with centre half Johnny Craven organising his defenders well. Police forced a number of corners but were unable to break the deadlock. Four minutes into the 2nd half Adam Bramley hit the post but no one was there to knock in the rebound. A minute later Police went 1-0 up when a fine cross from the left by captain Mark Chisholm was headed powerfully into the net from 10 yards by Ian Rayner. A minute later Bramley hit a 25yard free kick just wide of the angle of post and bar with workies keeper Geoff Dixon well beaten. After 67mins workies had a great chance to score an equaliser when a Police defender slipped leaving Wayne Baron in the clear but he put his first time effort wide with only keeper Kirk Fletcher to beat. After 78mins workies keeper Dixon produced a fine save from a Sam Vernalls 20yard shot. With five mins to go Police had a great chance to make the game safe when Simon Caukwell was through on goal with only the keeper to beat but Dixon made another fine save at his feet. Police scored the all important second goal with two mins to go when Bramley beat two men in the area and fired in an 8 yard right foot shot which keeper Dixon saved but he couldn't prevent Bramley from blasting in the rebound. The game was in injury time when Police player Sam Vernalls went down struggling to catch his breath and complaining of a head ache and feeling sick. He was taken from the pitch and was later taken to the Friarage Hospital by ambulance. He was detained overnight under observation. Johnny Craven was Workies man of the match with Mark Chisholm taking the award for the Police. The draw for the quaterfinals of the competition was made at the monthly league council meeting on Sunday 25.1.04 and is as follows: 1. Brompton on Swale v Skipton Building Society. 2. North Yorks Unison v Great Ayton Hibernians. 3. Northallerton Police v Three Coopers, Bedale. 4. Osmotherley Rangers v Stokesley Sports Club.
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