FREE-SCORING York RI Under-12s continued their superb run in the York FA Acaster Steel Junior Cup, booking their place in the semi-finals with a dominant 5-1 display against Thorpe United Blues.

It was clear from the first whistle that this was going to be no walkover for RI, as an end-to-end opening signalled they were up against a very capable and spirited Thorpe outfit.

Both sides were looking dangerous on the counter-attack, and York RI shot-stopper Max Moat had to remain sharp in a topsy-turvy first ten minutes.

After the spree of early chances, it was RI who settled quicker, and they soon fashioned an opening goal thanks to Jay Wilson’s acrobatic finish from a pinpoint Jon-Paul Turbine cross.

Alex Wilson then doubled York’s advantage with a composed spot-kick following a foul in the Thorpe United penalty area.

Despite the deficit, Thorpe were still potent in attack, and RI’s backline of Sam Beighton, Callum Oliver, James Walker and the aptly-named Jack Sturdy were resilient.

This defensive doggedness was rewarded as York put the game beyond doubt, Wilson adding his second and York’s third from a goalmouth scramble.

Having created the first, Turbine then joined the scorers’ club with a memorable fourth. A cutting pass from Ed Bourke found Turbine, whose mazy run baffled several Thorpe defenders before a piledriver left the Thorpe goalkeeper stranded.

Thorpe fashioned a late consolation goal, but the relief was short-lived as Alex Wilson completed the rout with a fifth goal a few minutes from time.

It was a fantastic all-round display, with special mention to man-of-the-match Charlie Cook whose fearless tackling consistently kept Thorpe at bay.

Wigginton Grasshoppers U16s survived an almighty scare against Pocklington Town, relying on Ryan Barker’s late equaliser to force a penalty shoot-out.

Wigginton were on the front foot for much of the first 45 minutes of the York FA Senior Minor Cup third round tie, but were unable to break through a resilient Pocklington backline, and while the Division Two leaders offered little in attack, they deservedly went into the half-time interval at 0-0.

The second period began in a similar vein, as Wigginton were repeatedly thwarted by the heroic Shaun Minto, whose man-of-the-match display in the Pocklington goal kept his side in the game.

Having soaked up an enormous amount of pressure, Pocklington went into a surprise lead, as Robert Lieby scored with their only shot on goal. The goal stunned Wigginton into action, and Ryan Barker’s fierce strike ten minutes from time deservedly put them back on terms.

Unable to fashion a winner, Wigginton had to endure the lottery of the shoot-out, but eventually overcame their spirited opponents 3-2.