Football: Wearside League Cup Semi-Final

Last updated 15:56, Wednesday, 16 April 2008

A PENALTY kick denied Whitehaven Amateurs a place in the final of the League Cup.

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Clash: Striker John Alick and the New Marske keeper Justin Hodgkinson

New Marske’s Nicholas Ward dispatched the spot-kick clinically after Wayne Collins was adjudged to have fouled and it proved to be the only difference between the sides in an entertaining, fast-paced encounter.

Whitehaven probably had the pick of the chances just before the half-time break when Stephen Hewitt found himself in space, only to see the New Marske keeper make a reflex save with his foot to keep the ball out of the net.

Until then, chances had been few and far between with defences most definitely on top as both sides fought for supremacy.

Craig Lewis and Luke Smith worked hard for the hosts to keep the visitors at bay, but Ward did well in the heart of midfield to break up any threats the home side managed to muster.

The second half saw league leaders New Marske come more into the game, and the penalty was as a result of a period of pressure on the home defence.

Stung by the 59th minute goal, Whitehaven began to raid more down the flanks and had a penalty claim of their own turned down when Mike Farrer appeared to be pushed from behind.

Hewitt then fired straight at the keeper after good work from Mally Holliday and Kevin Law as time ebbed away, but the visitors held on for the victory and their place in the final.

Whitehaven return to Wearside League action on Saturday with a home game against Annfield Plain (2.30pm kick-off), and travel to Boldon CA on Wednesday, April 23.

Meanwhile, a date of Friday, May 16 has been chosen for the Shipowners Cup final between Whitehaven and Cleator Moor Celtic. It kicks off, at the County Ground, at 6.30pm.

Representatives of the club paid a visit to Copeland Borough Council’s offices on Tuesday to show off the Monkwearmouth Cup that they won last May.

The club’s Craig Lewis, sport development manager, and his assistant Mark Moore, were in the party that visited the council, along with chairman Bill Robson and directors Shaun Hocking, Dave Moore and Geoff Nicholson.

Amateurs beat Teesside Athletic 6-1 in the cup final.