A campaign that began with 18 goals scored in the first three games and ended with 19 scored in the last three games sandwiched what has been mainly a good, consistent performance that saw the Reserves finishing in third place.

The end statistics show that the team finished with a plus 35 goal difference and the second least amount of goals conceded in the whole league; evidence that the Reserve’s have carried forward their reputation gained from last season of possessing one of the meanest defences in the entire Reserve Leagues. Eventual league winners Haxby were the only side to inflict heavy defeat upon what was a severely depleted Reserves squad early in the season, a result that was later avenged at home in what was considered to be  Riccall’s finest performance of the campaign. The defensive line-up consisting mainly of Tom Free, Trevor Robinson, Steve Morton, Craig Lee, Dave Barber and recent acquisition Paul Taylor, all marshalled by influential Captain Andy Phillips has proved to be more than a match for the vast majority of attacks pitched against them and continues to become ever stronger and more resolute.

One area of the field that the club has rarely lacked in quality over recent seasons has been in the goalkeeping department and this trend has continued as any teams fortunate enough to breach the Reserve’s defence were often denied by what has been the outstanding and reassuring presence of Mark Gardner. Where a team possesses good quality goalkeepers it is always possible to reminisce on particular games throughout the season where points have been won entirely from their breath-taking saves and outstanding performances. As part of this, it is equally important to recognise the services of Andy Leech who on several occasions has stepped forward and given his services to the Reserves, often at very short notice and delivered his usual high quality performances.

It is always satisfying and a measure of the club’s success to see the ambition and passion of Reserve team players rewarded by promotion to First Team football. This has been the case during this season with the likes of Kevin Kozicki, Ben Olssen, Sean Bugg, Johnny Barnett and Neil Hunter all moving forward and establishing themselves within the first team squad. Normally, such a throughput of quality would devastate the team they were leaving, but as on previous occasions, quality has been replaced by quality. The welcome returns of Andy Tingey and Mark Pickard, a successful open-age debut season for Tom Wright and the return to form of Dean Westwood all guided by the maturity of Hollis Bills has richly replaced the balance to maintain what is without doubt the most powerful midfield in the league.

Assurance at the team’s cutting edge came mainly through the remarkable return to form of Paul Shah. Working often in the role of lone-striker throughout most of the season; Paul surpassed his previous season’s goal tally within the first few games and eventually netted 17 goals, an achievement which earned him several deserved First Team call-ups and the coveted ‘Golden Boot’ end of season award. Sporadic appearances from Grant Saker were very much welcome during games when his pace and power was required to unsettle defences and add different ‘dynamics’ to the attack. Also, the late acquisition of Neil Taylor has been impressive with his pace and movement providing opportunities for different dimensions to the strike force in the forthcoming season.

Promotion for the second successive year has proved elusive to the Reserve squad despite a season that has seen only 4 losses and 3 draws. In retrospect; an inconsistent period following the home win against Haxby was to blame, where empty fixture weeks, followed by drawn matches away to teams in low positions and culminating in a home loss to Bishopthorpe cost the Reserve’s dearly in the bid for promotion.

Hopes to salvage some glory from the season remained pinned on the Reserve Cup. Following a home victory over Division A side Copmanthorpe, came an eagerly anticipated Semi-Final away to local rivals Kartiers. Unfortunately, the game failed to live up to expectations and a dour affair during which several key players failed to shine resulted in a 1 – 0 defeat that subsequently ended the Reserve’s competitive season.

There is however every reason to be optimistic for the forthcoming season.

Riccall United has developed massively over the past couple of seasons, both on and off the pitch and has a structure that is the envy of almost every club in the York League areas. The Reserves have become a strong squad that has proved it is worthy of playing at the highest reserve level. Competition for places has become more difficult as the season has progressed and is likely to become more competitive next season with the acquisition of new players to the squad. Players should not be deterred by this as competition will improve standards and move the club inevitably to where it belongs in the highest levels of York League football.

                                         Mick Wright