Grassington earn shock West Riding County Cup triumph

Visitors United started brightly and their high pressing style caused Rawdon a great deal of trouble. They were able to win the ball high up the pitch and had a number of good early chances, but just failed to capitalise on them.

Rawdon improved as the half went on and only some fine saves from the acrobatic Jordan Harding kept the home side out, as neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

The cup holders started the second half better and went ahead when a defensive mix-up at a set-piece allowed their striker to tap the ball home.

Grassington did not let their heads drop and dominated the play thereafter. They were first to every tackle and playing well in possession. Captain Jack Schindler led by example, winning challenge after challenge in the middle of the park.

United got their equaliser when the creative Daniel Hunt, who has 19 assists this season, whipped in a free-kick which was spilled by the keeper.

The ball fell into the path of the grateful Oscar Canny, who powerfully dispatched it into the roof of the net.

Grassington continued to look the more threatening, with Rawdon only creating chances from set-pieces. With the match tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the game went straight to penalties.

United’s penalties were all taken superbly well in a shootout of a very high standard. Each side converted their first three penalties, before the Rawdon captain had his penalty excellently saved by Harding.

Canny then scored but Rawdon dispatched their fifth penalty to leave Freddie Binns needing to score to seal the game for Grassington before sudden death.

Binns kept calm and coolly rolled the ball into the net to spark great celebrations by the Grassington players and coaches.

A fantastic performance by the entire team and a wonderful result for the Craven League side saw them progress by the skin of their teeth into the third round.