IT WAS third time lucky for Fenay Bridge as they celebrated a home
win for the first time this season. The Division IV side had previously suffered home defeats to Coach
and Horses 2-0 and Farnley Terriers 4-0 but last Saturday they broke their home duck with a 2-1 victory over Cartworth Moor. But it was a close call and only a missed penalty in the final
stages by the Moor preserved their 2-1 lead. On a heavy pitch at Almondbury High School, the home side started
well with strikers Robert Wheatley and Stuart Bailey creating chances. But poor finishing and some great goalkeeping by Darrel Lynch, who
had an outstanding game, kept the scoreline goalless. Martin Wilkinson did manage to find a gap in the Moor defence,
however, and he put Bridge in front following a goalmouth scramble. Fenay kept on top and should have gone two-up but were denied by a
penalty save from Lynch. Moor came out strongly at the start of the second half but
Holmbridge held firm until a long-range effort from Eron Bartlett beat Tim Rogers in the home goal. Both sides went for the win and Wilkinson put Bridge in front again
when he kept his cool from the spot. With time running out Moor were awarded a penalty but Michael Thorpe
had the misfortune to shoot wide, much to the relief of Bridge, who collected their first home win. Moor will now go looking for revenge as the sides clash in the Groom
Cup at Cartworth next Saturday. * Slaithwaite United remain top of Division II after a 0-0 draw
against Moldgreen at Leeds Road. Both sides had chances to win but were thwarted by the impressive
performances from the goalkeepers. Veteran Slaithwaite striker Jason Raper replaced regular stopper
Chris Kilner between the posts and did not look out of place. He made two critical saves before half-time when Moldgreen's attack
looked set to score. The roles were reversed in the second period with the home side's
keeper the busier. He was called into action on several occasions, which included a
superb stop from Mick Cullen's curling free kick. An entertaining final period of the game could have seen either side
take the points. * Aimbry produced a late, late show to beat Uppermill 3-2 and
maintain their title challenge in Division I. With five minutes to go they were 2-1 down but John Reilly's double
strike dealt a gut-wrenching blow to the visitors. Uppermill were keen to avenge the previous week's 3-0 defeat by
Aimbry at Uppermill and started the brighter and sprung the home side's offside trap to open the scoring through Jake Jacobs. Against the run of play, Aimbry clawed their way back into the game
when a well-worked corner between Matt Kilner and Kris Whitehead allowed John Tarazi to head home. After the break chances came thick and fast for both teams with
Uppermill failing to capitalise, particularly after a scramble in the goalmouth when the ball was cleared from the line. But Uppermill snatched the lead again when Mike Nelson's 30-yard
effort deceived everybody and sailed inside the posts. Aimbry were not done, however, and were thankful for Reilly's final
flourish. * Netherton stole a march on rivals Britannia Sports with a 3-1
Reserve Division II victory. Karl Ross, Divek Singh and Andrew McCullie put the home side 3-0 in
front before the visitors scored a late consolation.
