Wakefield and District Sunday League: Landlord Trophy

Wagon FC 3 Crown Scissett 1

HAVING squeezed into the third round of the Seymour Trophy on penalties the previous week, Crown Scissett were drawn against First Division side, Wagon FC in another cup competition, the Landlord Trophy last Sunday.

Although drawn away they were on familiar territory as Wagon’s home ground is also at Thornes Park.

The match kicked off in bright sunshine with Crown playing down the slope. A strong cross wind made long and high balls difficult to target and the low-angle of the sun made seeing high balls problematic.

With regular ‘keeper Ross Evans unavailable, manager Scott Croucher donned the white jersey and immediately found himself in the firing line as Wagon put pressure on the Crown goal.

Within six minutes the Scissett side conceded a goal and their defence was tested further as the first division team got into their stride. Despite some promising attacks down the right wing, with Peter Bond feeding the ball through to strikers Steve Beaumont and Chris Smith, Crown were unable to penetrate the Wagon defence.

Bond was forced to retire having sustained a knee injury and Tom Calvert came on in his place.

A second goal was conceded 28 minutes into the game and Crown’s frustrations bubbled over with Chris Smith earning himself a yellow card with his protestations to the referee.

Crown’s woes were compounded when a clear penalty was denied them.

The second half continued in a similar vein with the home team closing down Crown’s attacking moves. Wagon had the advantage of playing down the slope and with the Crown defence and ’keeper handicapped by the sun a third goal found the back of the Crown net.

To their credit Crown continued to battle away but their midfield and attack were never able to settle into a rhythm and their defence was flaky.

As the sunshine was replaced by a heavy shower, a consolation goal was scored three minutes from the final whistle.

A long throw in from the half-way line by Ray Cosgrove was picked up and taken through by Steve Beaumont. From just inside the 18-yard box Beaumont fired a fine right-footed shot into the top right corner of the net leaving the Wagon ‘keeper stranded.

It was a disappointing performance by the Scissett side who are usually able to raise their game against teams from higher divisions.

Tomorrow they return to league action with a home match against Bretton Hall Tigers.

Crown Scissett’s progress can be monitored via their website, www.webteams.co.uk/crownscissettfc