Last-gasp Reeves strike sends Edgehill into County quarters
Steve Clegg’s side progress into the North Riding FA Saturday County Cup after St Mary’s win
A dramatic late winner from substitute Jake Reeves sealed Edgehill’s progression to the quarter-finals of the North Riding FA Saturday County Cup.
Edgehill’s tie at North Riding Football League Premier Division outfit St Mary’s 1947 was finely poised at 2-2 and heading towards extra-time when Reeves got on the end of Max Wright’s ball into the box to hand Steve Clegg’s side the win.
The visitors went behind just five minutes into the contest after a defensive mix-up.
They weren’t behind for long however, Sean Exley heading in an equaliser five minutes later.
Exley was on target again on 25 minutes to put Clegg’s men ahead for the first time in the cup clash, his thunderbolt flying into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Scores were level at the break after a corner was whipped in and a neat finish applied at the near post.
Youngsters Ted Edwards and Reeves were introduced at the break, coming on for the experienced Wayne Aziz and injured Jamie Patterson.
The away side were reduced to 10 men on 75 minutes when Ryan Link received a second yellow for a high foot.
However numbers were soon evened out when a St Mary’s substitute directed a headbutt and kicks to Kieran Link and received a straight red card.
Edgehill weren’t to be denied and with just two minites left on the clock Wright made a lung-busting overlap down the flank and delivered a superb ball into the box that Reeves got on the end of and bagged the win.
Kieran Link was named as Edgehill’s man of the match after a tireless performance out of position up front before dropping into his more familiar midfield berth - also keeping his cool after tempers flared late on.
Delighted boss Clegg said: “I thought we did very well on Saturday as everything
seemed to be going against us with what should have been an hour-and-a-half journey, but with blizzards the Whitby road was shut so we arrived late and kicked off at 2.40.
“We also had a few crucial players missing, but we dominated play against a well organised team, just two sloppy errors allowing them to score that were probably down to such a long break and getting back into action after a short time of being able to prepare for the game.”
Edgehill face a stern test in the quarter-finals when they take on North Riding Premier Division holders Boro Rangers, who have lifted the title four years in succession now.
That encounter takes place on Saturday April 24.
Newlands have withdrawn from their scheduled quarterfinal at Yarm & Eaglescliffe, while Thornaby Dubliners host Fishburn Park and Wigginton Grasshoppers play Thirsk Falcons.