WEST RIDING COUNTY CHALLENGE CUP

Grassington United 2

Featherstone Colliery 1

GRASSINGTON United reached the quarter-final of the West Riding County Challenge Cup for the first time in the club’s history with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Featherstone Colliery.

Grassington United, who had not played for a month due to the weather, started slowly and looked a little rusty but gradually grew into the game and began to pass the ball around with confidence.

Grassington created a number of excellent chances with Matthew Appleton and Oscar Canny both going close and it was great work from Canny which led to the opening goal.

Canny was brought down in the area and the referee awarded a penalty. Captain Jack Schindler made no mistake, smashing the ball home from the penalty spot.

The second half was a tough and trying half of football for both sides.

Featherstone started the half well but found, man of the match Jordan Harding in terrific form in goal for Grassington.

Along with his two central defenders, Sam Webster and Lee Guilfoyle, Harding kept the Featherstone attackers at bay.

Grassington, much like in the first half, grew into the game. They started making their own chances and when Schindler played veteran striker Jan Ozdoba through on goal, and he left little doubt about the outcome to make it 2-0.

Featherstone continued to fight, and they got themselves back in the game when they won a penalty and duly despatched it.

This was cruel on Harding, who deserved a clean sheet.

Featherstone threw everything at Grassington in the last few minutes but Grassington dug deep and held on.

The final whistle was greeted with great celebrations by the Grassington United players, coaches and fans.

Grassington United can now look forward to the last eight of the competition for the first time in their history.