Navy Club 5, Gainford Cross Keys 4
By Liam Fenwick
In-form Navy Club were given an away fixture to Gainford Cross Keys in the Divison Three League Cup.
The Navy Club were in good form going into this fixture with them currently topping the league and progressing into the second round of the heart foundation cup.
A few changes to the Navy Club starting line-up saw Sam Richardson lead from the front after an impressive debut and Wayne Gough also returning to the first 11.
The game started very scrappy with lots of turn overs in possession but it wasn’t long before the Navy Club broke the deadlock with a long ball from Reece Gowing flicked on by Shane Dodson which saw Sam Richardson break away and superbly put the Navy Club in front.
As the first half progressed the Navy Club were getting a lot of joy down both sides with Billy Moir and Wayne Gough making chances but Gainford Cross Keys were looking dangerous on the counter attack and it wasn’t long before the Navy Club were caught as the Gainford Striker broke through just before the break and slotted the equaliser past goalkeeper Ben Stevens.
The second half begun and the Navy Club started brightly after quickly taking the lead for the second time in the game with Sam Richardson scoring his second of the game. The Navy Club had more than enough chances to put the game to bed as striker Sam Richardson missed an open goal from 3 yards out which came back to haunt the Navy Club as Gainford capitalised on their mistake and equalised soon after.
The Navy Club seemed to be rattled by the equaliser as Gainford put pressure on the Navy Club’s defence, substitutes were made introducing Charlie Fowler, Liam Bingham and Alex Fraser to try and unnerve the Navy Club but Gainford were gifted a very controversial penalty by referee Matthew Gattis after Liam Fenwick seemed to foul the Gainford midfielder in the penalty area, Gainford converted from the spot putting them ahead for the first time in the game which left Captain Ryan Coles and defender Aidan Hindaugh infuriated who both received bookings for dissent.
Gainford continued to be on top and they added a fourth goal with 20 minutes to go, The Navy Club seemed to be down and out as Gainford were still creating chances but Ben Stevens kept the Navy in the game with two fantastic save including a 1 on 1 point blank save to give them a fighting chance.
The Navy Club threw the kitchen sink at Gainford and Sam Richardson got more joy as he completed his hattrick which gave The Navy a glimmer of hope with only 10 minutes to go. The Navy Club continued to press and completed the comeback seconds from the restart with Charlie Fowler making his mark by putting the game in the balance once again bringing the score level at 4-4.
Both teams seemed to settle for a draw and take the cup tie into extra time however The Navy Club broke on the counter attack with minimum time remaining when winger Alex Fraser who over hit his cross which saw the ball loop over the Gainford keeper into the far top corner giving the Navy Club the lead and putting his side through to the quarter finals of the League Cup which can only be described as an incredible victory for the Navy Club.
The Navy Club hope to continue their impressive league run as they face Escomb Saxons at home on the 1st November at Greenfield School.
Navy Club: Stevens, Hutchinson, Hindhaugh, Coles, Fenwick, Gowing, Moir, Gough, Rasmussen, Dodson, Richardson. Subs: Burns, Fraser, Bingham, Gillham, Fowler.
