Unison vs Police (Cup)

Northallerton Police travelled to the Bluestone Ground Northallerton to play North Yorks Unison in the semi finals of the Hambleton Ales League Cup. Police are the holders and Unison their derby rivals.

Play started at a brisk pace with both teams testing each other but defences coping with any real threats.

Police had a good chance after 13mins when an Ian Rayner free kick put Adam Bramley through on the right but he didn't quite time his shot and Dave Taylor cleared the ball off the line.

After 25mins Sam Vernalls appeared to be through and only a fine tackle by Dave Taylor prevented him scoring.

Unison took the lead after 36mins when a defensive mix up let in Michael Robinson and he shot home from 10yards.

Two mins later they had a great chance to go two up when Gary Sharda put Nick Wilson through on the right but he pulled his shot wide of the left hand post with only the keeper to beat.

Two minutes later Police had a great chance to equalise when a Rayner free kick found Bramley on the right but this time he shot wide.

Two mins later a Rayner corner was headed towards goal by Mark Chisholm but keeper Neil Rooney made a good save.

Police equalised on the stroke of half time when a Bramley cross from the right was headed home by Neil Foster with a fine glancing header.

The second half was evenly matched with Unison having the better of the opening period and Police finishing the half strongly.

A minute into extra time Unison regained the lead when Matthew Hill scored from 18yards with a fine shot into the corner of the net.

Four minutes later he was through again but keeper Kirk Fletcher made a fine save at his feet.

After 97mins Police equalised when Sam Vernalls dispossessed a Unison defender and beat two men before shooting passed Rooney from 6 yards.

In the second period of extra time Fletcher made a brilliant save from James Raw whose 20 yard shot was bound for the top corner of the Police net when Fletcher tipped it round the post.

The game went to penalties with Unison scoring seven to the Polices.

Unison will now play Stokesley Sports Club in the final at the Calvert Stadium, Northallerton on Sunday 25th April 2004.

This game was a fine advert for the Combination with both teams playing well in front of a good crowd.

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