Junior Football: Ten-man Wigton lift cup after goalkeeper's heroics

Horsforth and Wigton are second and third respectively in Division One of the Garforth Junior League with just one point separating the teams who both hope to overhaul leaders Ryhill.

The West Riding FA County Junior Trophy final between the two sides was predictably close but Wigton raced into a 2-0 lead mid-way through the first half, with both goals coming from fine crosses.

The first goal, a header, came from Wigton’s top scorer Posi Shina-Aluko who was set up on the right by Harley Lambert.

Harley then converted the second a few minutes later from a cross from the left by Ben Cawthray.

The second half saw an early sending off for Wigton who soon conceded a penalty which was converted by Oliver Mangan.

But Wigton managed to defend their slim lead thanks to fantastic saves from goalkeeper Adam Hillerby and a strong defence led by Wigton captain and man of the match Dean Duffy.

Wigton’s manager David Cawthray beamed: “The final whistle brought relief and celebrations from the Wigton team and their supporters.

“We are all very proud of the team.”

Elsewhere, Kirkstall Crusaders Under-17s followed the success of their Sunday side by romping to glory in the Garforth League Under-17s Trophy.

Three days after Kirkstall’s Leeds Sunday League side had won the Leeds and District FA Sunday Jubilee Cup, Tingley Athletic provided the opposition for the Crusaders Under-17s in their final.

And in one of the highest scoring cup finals ever witnessed, Kirkstall ran out 9-3 winners, led by a four-goal haul from captain Connor Flanagan.

Faisal Sheikh, Paddy McGill, Jack Walker, Ellis Redfearn and Hakkinan Annani also all added a goal each, the latter with the goal of the game.

Francis Gibson, Eliels Anku, Rinor Ejupi, Jamie Blackburn, Luke Binder, Ethan Mamoudi, Danar Ahmed, Aaron Chapman and inspirational keeper Kamen Greaves provided the supporting cast.

Kirkstall Crusaders Under-11s were in action in four games against Pannal Sports Tigers Under-11s.

Brian Ikeo, Mathew James, Rohan Taffesse, Peter Simpson and the inspirational Elijah Hubbard all netted for Kirkstall who saw good performances come from Liam Cade, Adam Shoon, Jamie Fozzard and Mikiel Ditta.

Kirkstall Crusaders Under-10s had an away day at Harrogate for two games against New Park Bulldogs Under-10s.

The match ball went to Rayan Yahiauoi who hit four while the man of the match plaudits went to Joshua Dooley.

James Whitaker also had a fine debut.