POPPLETON Tigers Under-12s remain on course for a trophy treble after lifting the York FA Acaster Steel U12s Junior Cup.

The Tigers, on the verge of winning the York Mitchell Sports Football League division one championship, were 4-3 winners over York RI in the final at Tockwith.

The youngsters are also through to the final of the League Cup, where they will face Pocklington Town at York City’s Bootham Crescent ground on Monday.

Poppleton got off to a flying start in the Acaster Steel Cup final when Ethan Brown tapped the ball home following a goalmouth scramble after four minutes.

However, York RI’s John-Paul Turbine rounded a Poppleton defender to score from inside the penalty area six minutes later.

York RI ’keeper Max Moat made a superb one-handed save from Poppleton’s Jack Atkinson on 12 minutes, but two minutes later Brown hooked the ball in from a corner to put his side 2-1 up at the interval.

Poppleton came out all guns blazing in the second half and were soon 3-1 up when Atkinson chipped Moat.

Moat prevented another goal with a fine save from point-blank range, but it was brief respite as the Tigers went 4-1 up when Jack Leeming’s pass found Jo Allerton, and his chipped finish found the net.

Leeming then brought down Turbine in the box and Alex Wilson hammered home the penalty two minutes from time. Further York RI pressure resulted in a 25-yard curling shot from Sam Beighton finding the top corner of the net.

The trophy presentation was made by Rene Purdy of sponsors Acaster Steel.

Rawcliffe came out on top in their York FA U19s Cup final clash with Wigginton Grasshoppers at Tockwith.

The climax of the F1 Racing-sponsored competition exploded into life in the 41st minute when Rawcliffe’s Robin Jefferson was fouled in the penalty area. Reg Miah converted from the spot. Rawcliffe’s Callum Ward fired in a 25-yard free-kick a minute later.

On 43 minutes, Ward repeated the dose, cracking in a shot after a lay off by Robin Jefferson from a free-kick stemming from the Wigginton ’keeper handling a back pass. The Grasshoppers reduced the arrears to 3-1 at half-time with Tom Kite’s 25-yard lob over the Rawcliffe ’keeper. On 55 minutes, Rawcliffe made it 4-1 through a Jordan Grose shot from 15 yards.

Wigginton fought back, earning a penalty on 60 minutes, which Tom Espin despatched.

Following a good run by the lightning quick Pat Evans, Josh Luckhurst scored Wigginton’s third goal.

However, Rawcliffe, who are also battling with Wiggy for the York FA U19s League title, held on to lift the trophy for the second year in succession.

The presentation was made by Ian Yeowart, of F1 Racing, who donated karting vouchers to both teams.

On Wednesday, May 1, Bootham Crescent will stage the finals of the York FA Junior Minor (U13s) Cup – between York Cubs v Rawcliffe, at 6pm – and the York FA U14s Minor Cup – between Heworth Rangers v Rawcliffe Tigers, at 7.30pm.

The programme of finals will be concluded on Monday, May 6, at Tockwith.

The York FA U11s Cup final between Poppleton Tigers and Pocklington Town kicks off at 10.30am, followed by the York FA U15s Minor Cup final between Pocklington Town Predators and Wheldrake at noon, with the York FA Senior Minor (U16s) Cup final between Strensall Tigers and Rawcliffe Tigers following at 2pm.