RIPON CITY RES 2 BOROUGHBRIDGE RES 1
Ripon are proving to be Dave Ekin's nemesis as they recorded a third successive victory over their local rivals knocking them out of the Challenge Trophy in the process. In the opening exchanges Bridge always looked the more comfortable of the two sides and deservedly took the lead in the 12th minute through Ben Darville following good work from Paul Smith.  Smith then had another good opportunity when he rounded keeper Mike Murray only to find the side netting. As  the game progressed Ripon  came more into it but, in a frenetic encounter, there was plenty of effort but little quality on display. On the stroke of half time Ripon got back on level terms when Darville was dispossessed on the half way line and a superb  Shane Ward cross was knocked in by Jon Doyle at the far post.  The second period was littered with free kicks and it was 20 minutes before either keeper had a serious save to make.  Murray, however, denied Smith who was through on goal and when the Bridge striker placed the rebound out of keeper's reach Simon English appeared on the line to head the ball to safety.   Ten minutes later following a long throw Steve Fletcher volleyed home the winner and despite late pressure Bridge never seriously threatened the home goal.
MOM M Waddington