Hepworth through to semi-finals while Sovereign could face relegation battle
JAMES BASNETT blasted a brilliant volley deep in extra time to book Hepworth United a Sheffield Junior Cup semi-final place with a 4-3 win against Swinton Station.
After an indifferent first 45 minutes with the District League Division II club struggling to find their feet, they went a goal down from a free header in the six yard box.
And a lack of discipline and attitude did not augur well.
But coach Kenworthy, making a rare appearance in goal, led by example and a number of fine saves and brave blocks wore down the home team and gave Hepworth an unlikely foothold in the game.
From an Antoni Short free-kick James Earnshaw flicked the ball on and Carpenter equalised with a firm header which looped over the keeper.
Swinton restored their lead with a scrambled effort from a corner and with time running out Short kept Hepworth's hopes alive when he equalised with a diving header from a Payne cross.
In extra-time Swinton regained the lead against the run of play but their joy was shortlived when a long throw was flicked on and Basnett reacted first to strike from 12 yards.
Then, in the second period of extra-time, Earnshaw conjured a deep cross which Basnett met on the edge of the box with a delightful volley that flew past the Swinton keeper and into the net, for a goal worthy of winning any cup tie.
In the District League Division I clash Wooldale Wanderers compounded Sovereign Sports' relegation fears while easing their own with an emphatic 4-1 win at Deighton playing fields.
It took only two minutes for Wooldale to open their account with a rare headed goal from the veteran Richard Holmes.
But Sovereign hit back and equalised on 10 minutes.
Clifford Clarke and Carter continued to probe for Sovereign in an effort to establish a lead but it was to be experienced campaigner Richard Burgin, playing his last game before a five-match ban, who restored Wooldale's lead, firing home from six yards before the break.
Wooldale's second team coach Simon Holmes, stepping in for Mick Coles due to work commitments, gave an inspired team talk as the Holme Valley outfit then ran away with the second half with a brace from the young Gary Bradley.
The first of his two was a neatly taken penalty after a blatant foul on winger Richard Gill and the second came after a fine move was finished off by striker Bradley.
Wooldale didn't have it all their own way as Carter created numerous openings for Sovereign, but the Wooldale defence held firm with Goldsborough, Brooke and Rowbottom in fine form at the back along with keeper Peacock, who made some telling saves.
The result leaves Sovereign facing a real relegation battle along with Honley, while Wooldale eased away from the drop zone before turning their attentions to a forthcoming Barlow Cup-tie.
