RIPON CITY 'A' 1 BOROUGHBRIDGE 'A' 1
Weakened by calls from their senior sides Bridge started the game with 7 players 18years or under whereas Ripon were able to call on some of their experienced players due to the late cancellation of their Reserve team fixture. The game was typical of local derbies with neither side giving an inch in a competitive opening and it was Wayne Cotton who had the first chance when he beat the offside trap only to fire wide. Paul Scaife then failed to find the target at the other end before Darren Dennis complimented an incisive through ball by coolly slotting the ball past Richie Renton. Phil Dodsworth then produced a fine save to deny Scaife but in the main it was Ripon who were enjoying a lot of the ball as well as territorial advantage. Bridge had the last word of the half when Chris Chapman chased an apparent lost cause only for keeper and defender to get in each other's way allowing Tom Ekin to squeeze the ball home. After being second best for most of the game Bridge started to pass the ball much better in the second half and with Ripon getting frustrated amongst themselves the visitors began to grow in confidence. Gary Watts had a glancing header well saved, Mark Burniston hit the bar and then fired wide before finding the back of the net to have the goal disallowed for offside which even the Ripon contingent thought to be a bit harsh. Nevertheless it good have worse for Bridge in the last few minutes as first Martin Hutchinson flashed a shot just wide and in the dying moments Renton produced a terrific save to deny Dennis the winner. A much improved performance from all involved gained Bridge a valuable point.
MOM M Burniston