Trophy treble

9:45am Saturday 10th May 2008

POPPLETON FC Under-16s are celebrating a trophy treble after winning the York FA Senior Minor Cup.

The all-conquering Millfield Lane side beat Thorpe United 3-1 in the final at Tockwith, adding the FA Cup to their York FA Minor League division one title and League Cup win.

In a sign of things to come, Poppleton's Tom Wheatland shaved the Thorpe bar within 60 seconds of the kick off.

Gary Chapman went close for Thorpe, but the deadlock could not be broken until shortly before half-time.

Poppleton found the golden touch when Garth Fisher crossed from the left and Adam Ferguson turned and volleyed into the net.

A defensive error let in Ferguson for goal number two and, before the interval, Theo Ford headed in number three following a free-kick.

In the second half, George Reilly and Kevin Luke were outstanding in defence for Poppleton. Thorpe refused to give up the fight and, following a corner, Ryan Butcher produced a well-placed header for a final scoreline of 3-1.

The York FA Junior Minor Cup final was won by Wigginton Grasshoppers, who beat Woodthorpe Wanderers 5-3 on penalties after the sides were locked at 2-2 after open play.

Defences dominated the opening exhanges, although James Young shot wide for Wigginton.

On 20 minutes, Wigginton took the lead through Dan Gallagher.

Woodthorpe hit back, with Bobby Maskill heading over the Wigginton bar, and then Woodthorpe 'keeper James Hall was brought into action to deny Dan Wilson.

On the half hour, Woodthorpe were back on level terms when Danny Neil's corner was deflected in by a defender.

Woodthorpe began to apply the pressure, with shots hitting the bar and post from Liam Turner and Hussain Akdah.

Maskill also went close, while Ash Taylor, of Wigginton, forced Hall into a great save.

In extra-time, Woodthorpe pushed forward and a fine through ball fell to Akdah, who picked his spot with a low shot passed the 'keeper to put Woodthorpe into a 2-1 lead.

With time running out, a shot by Wigginton's Taylor forced 'keeper Hall to turn the ball over the bar.

From the corner, Gallagher cracked in an equalising goal to force the final into a penalty shoot-out. Wigginton 'keeper Ollie Walker was the penalty-saving hero.

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