The hosts started the game brightly and never looked back as Riccall struggled to find any sort of rhythm. They soon took the lead when a cross from the right side was met by a tame headed effort which managed to elude keeper Mark Sanderson. The lead was soon 2 when the home team midfielder raced through to produce a calm finish.

Riccall looked to be getting a foothold in the match when it was then made 3-0, Pete Minto not hearing a call from his keeper and attempting to head the ball back to his team mate only managed to head into his own net.

The Visitors were handed a lifeline, when one of the home defenders were sent off for raising a hand to Riccall's Wayne Brook late in the first half. United started the second period brightly but just lacked the cutting edge needed to get back in the game missing series of one on ones and headers with one Brook effort striking the post. The hosts netted a fourth against the run of play in the second period late on to seal a night to forget for Riccall.

With near perfect conditions, the division 1 champions looked to show the form that helped them gain promotion last year. With debutants Adam Garner, Wayne Brook and Kris Littler joining Mark Sanderson who has returned to the club from local Rivals Thorpe it was a new look Riccall who set out for victory.

The opener wasn't long in coming after Riccall had dominated the opening exchanges, they strung together a fantastic move through the midfield with the ball finding it's way out to Garner on the right, who sent over an inch perfect cross to find Gary Collier who had lost his marker to give himself a free header to make it 1-0. The hosted then pressed for a second with good work from the midfield of Olsson, Northern and Fawcett creating some good chances.

The second goal duly came when Brook nodded home from close range to make it 2-0 going into half time. The team talk couldn't be easier for manager Bradley and his newly appointed assistant, Selby football legend, Geoff Northern.

Riccall made it 3-0 when substitute John Knowles came off the bench and made an instant impact crossing for Ben Olsson to head home. Riccall looked to be cruising but Dringhouses made a late fight back with a long ball eluding what had been up to then a rock solid defence of James, Littler, Minto and Bugg, who had replaced Dave Lyon, making the step up from the reserves.

Nestle Rowntrees         3

Riccall stretched their unbeaten home run to 17 home games with a 3-3 draw against Nestle, writes Chris Phillips.

The champions fell behind early on with a mix up in the defence allowing the pacey visiting striker to score. With Riccall struggling to find a rhythm it was a Mark Pickard beauty from 25 yards that flew in for 1-1 and this proved to be the injection of life Riccall had craved. Riccall were soon in the lead when Liam Brown’s cross was hammered home by Andy Northern from close range and the host's could have been out of sight but the usually clinical Daz Fawcett missed a host of chances from close range. 

Gary Collier looked to have sealed the win when he dispossessed the Nestle keeper after a mix up at the back and was allowed the simplest of tap ins. Riccall went out looking for goals in the second period but they failed to arrive and it was the visitors who drew level with two second half goals. Rowntrees had further chances but found man of the match Andy Leech in great form in the United goal. Riccall introduced Ben and Liam Olsson along with John Knowles to try and find the winner but it never came. Although John Knowles looked to have been pulled back after he had turned his marker.

Pocklington Town Reserves     0

Riccall United Reserves            2

United’s Reserves rounded off their season with a good 0-2 victory over Pocklington in an early kick off. United have now gone 9 games undefeated following defeat at Poppleton mid January and had it not been for a disappointing November and December before Bugg took charge, they could have been celebrating promotion.

Rob Wales gave United the lead early in the second period when he nodded a Shaun Smith corner home. Edward Bedford was recalled to the starting eleven and he doubled the lead with 10 minutes to go when he took it past 3 defenders and coolly found the bottom corner.

Paul Shah was man of the match for United.

Riccall will look to finish the season on a high when they entertain promotion hopefuls Amotherby & Swinton in the last game of the season, kick off 2pm. The Reserves have completed their season.

Bishopthorpe United    0

Riccall grabbed the win they craved to secure the York Leaper Hare division 1 title, writes Chris Phillips.

With manager Bradley's planned starting line up decimated by late withdrawals and injuries it proved to be a real squad effort. Riccall never looked in trouble with the visitors rarely threatening Tom Osbourne in the Riccall goal. The home defence also played a part in Osbourne’s quiet evening with Minto, James, and debutant Richard Sowden all putting in a stellar display. 

The central midfield trio of Liam Olsson and joint man of the match Andy Tingey and Ben Olsson put on a display which was as good as any all season. Dominant on the ball as well as off it the visiting men failed to match them for large periods of the match which ultimately gave the platform for the win. Wingers Mark Pickard and the returning Liam Brown were constant threats and it was Pickard who put in Ben Olsson down the right who in turn crossed for Gary Collier to head home from close range to make it 1-0.

The pressure seemed to lift instantly and Riccall pressed for a second to put the gloss on a good performance. It came in the form of Andy Tingey who fired a volley from just outside the box in to the bottom corner to make it 2-0 and put the game out of reach of the visitors. Riccall could have made it 3 but for Gary Collier nipping it off the toe of uncle Pete Collier to blaze high and wide.

Bradley introduced Paul Shah, John Knowles and Dave Barber, who was also making his first team bow. All three made valid contributions with Dave Barber going close with a late header.

With the title and promotion in the bag Riccall will look to seal the moral trophy of going a league season unbeaten and will travel away to Tadcaster Albion on Saturday to try and extend the run.   

Tadcaster Albion Reserves                   0

The champagne was on Ice after Riccall drew a blank against Tadcaster, writes Chris Phillips.

Knowing a win would secure the league title and promotion to York's top division Riccall turned in a great display that was only lacking the goal it deserved. A solid defensive foundation of keeper Hampshire and defenders Minto, Davis, and James provided the base for an attacking display that created some good chances. Gary Collier went close early on with a long range effort; while Rob Wales also saw his headed effort kept out. 

Mark Pickard continued his good form causing the visiting full back problems throughout before being withdrawn through injury. Riccall introduced Jack Rogers and the vastly experienced Pete Collier to try and win the game. Collier almost got the winner but saw his close range effort somehow denied by the outstretched foot of the Tad keeper. Ryan Chadwick also went close after some great play from Taurus sponsored man of the match Liam Olsson, only to see the ball run just wide.  

Riccall will be looking to get the vital win they need when they entertain Bishopthorpe on Wednesday 15 April before travelling to Tadcaster for the return game whilst the Reserves face Tockwith in their penultimate fixture of this season. 

Stamford Bridge          2          (No Extra Time Stamford Bridge won 5-6 on penalties)

The form book was thrown out of the window for this County Cup Semi Final with Division 1 leaders Riccall going down on penalties to relegation battling Stamford Bridge. United were forced into one change at the back with on form Dale Huntington pulling up in the warm up with Darren Davis replacing him.

United started sluggish and Stamford Bridge capitalised early on when poor defending allowed the Bridge winger to get in too easy and cross for a simple tap in with barely 5 minutes on the clock. United raised the tempo slightly but still didn’t seem themselves but did manage to pull level soon after when a Bridge clearance was first charged down by Wales and then Pickard who drilled into the roof of the net from 10 yards out for his first for the club and 1-1.

United enjoyed a 10 minute spell on top with raised confidence amongst the ranks and many felt this would be the springboard for them to go on and reach the final for the second year running but Bridge again came back at United and once more poor defending cost United with 2 men in acres of space at the far post to collect the ball and drive past Hampshire in the United goal.

United had no more chances in the first half and went in at the break 1-2 down to an hardworking Bridge side. Bradley and Collier had some harsh words to say at half time and although Bridge had no real chances of note in the 2^nd period it wasn’t until the introduction of Brown and Chadwick on the hour mark that United finally took control of the game and started playing how we have come to expect from United. A great solo effort from Daz Fawcett brought United level just prior to their introduction when he flicked up a Davis pass and turned to volley with his chocolate foot into the far top corner for 2-2.

At this point there looked to be only one team that would go on and win the game but United couldn’t get the ball in the back of the net with the light retreating. Much to the disapproval of both teams the East Riding Representative gave the referee no choice but to send the game straight to penalties instead of the traditional period of 30 extra minutes which many watching felt would of given United the time they required to get the winner. However, just like in last year’s final United were cruelly beaten on penalties leaving question marks over the organisation of the cup competitions.

York RI            0

United require a win at home to Tadcaster Albion Reserves on Saturday to secure the Division 1 title and promotion to the Premier Division. A convincing and comfortable 4-0 home victory over 2^nd placed York RI moved them within touching distance. United were dominant throughout against physical side and were intent on not allowing them to play. Man of the Match Liam Olsson and midfield partner Daz Fawcett were awesome putting in tackle upon tackle, winning every header and putting in some telling passes.

Rob Wales opened the scoring on his first start for the 1^st Team taking his tally to 3 in 3 with a delicate lob over the keeper into the top corner of the Regen End. The score remained 1-0 into the second half but United were searching to finish the tie with Mark Pickard and Andy Northern terrorising the RI full backs. The 2^nd finally arrived when Olsson sent Fawcett in and he held off 2 defenders to send low into the net for his 17^th of the season. 2 soon became 3 when Wales flicked into the path of Gary Collier for him to drive past the RI keeper for his 18^th of the season. With 20 minutes remaining United added a 4^th when Dale Huntington rose above all others to head home a Northern corner for his first for the club.

Chadwick was causing a nuisance in search of more goals and Player Assistant Pete Collier was introduced for the final 20 minutes on his return from suspension. Huge credit must also go to James; Huntington; and Minto who were exceptional and made certain Osbourne didn’t need to make a single save all game.

York RI Reserves                      1

Riccall United Reserves             6

United’s Reserves cemented 4^th place with a battering of RI’s Reserves making it a very bad day for the York side. United are now 7 games unbeaten under Sean Bugg and are wishing that time hadn’t run out on their chase of the top 2. Paul Shah and Kevin Kozicki grabbed a brace a piece with Tom Law and Paul Taylor adding further strikes. Dave Lyon won the Man of the Match as he continues his excellent form.

Wednesday evening United face Stamford Bridge in the Semi Final of the East Riding Intermediate Country Cup.

This Saturday, United entertain Tadcaster Albion Reserves looking to secure the title and promotion to the Premier Division, kick off 2pm. The Reserves have a weekend off.

Rufforth United           1

United moved within 2 wins of Premier Division status for next season with their first win in March. United opted to go against the wind in the first half and despite this looked the more likely to score with good opportunities falling to Knowles; Gary Collier; Northern and Knowles’ replacement Rob Wales with Pickard and Northern causing problems down each of the flanks. However, it was Rufforth who took the lead against the run of play following an error at the back. Huntington played the ball back and Hampshire got caught with the ball to allow the Rufforth forward with the easiest of goals.

United’s response wasn’t long in coming when Rob Wales, promoted from the Reserves after 8 goals in 6 appearances since joining the club, shrugged off the attention of the Rufforth defender to nip in and strike sweetly into the roof of the net from 8 yards out.

United now with the wind in their favour knew the winner was only a matter of time away. United had to be patient as they met a Rufforth goalkeeper in fine form as he denied Collier on several occasions with some saves of real quality and one truly outstanding save. Wales was making a nuisance of himself and thought he had scored United’s second when he nipped in to strike from close range only for it to be ruled out for offside.

United were totally dominant in the second period with Hampshire now a spectator in the United goal protected when needed by the very comfortable Minto, James, Huntington, Ben Olsson and man of the match Liam Olsson. United finally got their reward when Daz Fawcett rose above everyone else to had into the far corner off a Northern corner.

United entertain 2^nd place York RI whilst the Reserves travel in the opposite direction to face York RI Reserves this coming Saturday, both 2pm kick offs.

Riccall United                 1

Riccall remained unbeaten in their promotion push with a hard earned draw at promotion chasing Amotherby and Swinton, writes Chris Phillips.

With too good weather prompting people to take a trip to the coast Riccall's arrival at Amotherby was delayed and allowed the team only 5 minutes to get ready and jump almost straight into kick off. This obviously had an effect on the league leaders as they were caught napping early on with a hopeful long ball eluding the visitors defence only to find the home striker in a seemingly offside position who played to the whistle, which never came, who slotted round Hampshire to make it 1-0.

Riccall then began to dominate with a series of corners piling on the pressure but to no avail. After a constructive team talk at half time Riccall started to show why they have been at the top of the league all year with some trademark slick football with full backs James and Roughley linking well with wingers Northern and Anderson to create some good chances.

Midfield enforcer Liam Olsson was in good form letting very little through to centre halves Minto and Fawcett who dealt admirably with what did come through. Riccall finally got back on terms just short of the hour mark when Olsson sent a 40 yard cross field ball to the feet of Gary Collier who showed a turn of pace; played a one two with Ryan Chadwick; before squaring the ball across the face of the goal which missed everyone and fell to Anderson who played the ball in again for it to be poked home by Ben Olsson. Riccall pressed further for the winner against an increasingly tired Amotherby side but just couldn’t seem to find that cutting edge in front of goal.

Riccall United Reserves              3

Stamford Bridge Reserves         1

United Reserves stretched their unbeaten run to 6 games with a 3-1 win over Stamford Bridge Reserves, writes Matthew Wood.

United fielded one of their strongest teams of the season, welcoming back Gardner, Lyon, Robinson, P. Taylor, Kozicki and Smith to the starting XI. Despite this, United took time to settle in a cagey opening first 10 minutes which led to the visitors taking a 1-0 lead. The visitors un-intentionally struck a free-kick that looped over Gardner’s head and into the Riccall goal. Riccall still couldn’t find their rhythm in the opening 20 minutes but their nerves were settled when prolific striker Rob Wales slotted in his 8th goal in only his 6th game for the club. Riccall were the better team for the rest of the 1st half but the score remained 1-1 at the half time interval.

Riccall started brightly in the 2nd half and nearly took the lead within minutes of the re-start when Kozicki's shot cannoned back off the post, more chances followed with the deadlock finally broken when man of the match Kozicki got his goal with a tame shot that bobbled past the keeper. The central midfield trio of Smith, Tingey and Law were really bossing the game and a third goal followed 10 minutes later when Tingey drove a sweet strike past the keeper from 20 yards out. Substitute Neil Taylor nearly made it 4-1 but his header hit the bar.

The game finished 3-1 and leaves Riccall with an outside chance of promotion with 3 games remaining.

Next weekend the 1^st Team entertain Rufforth United in their push for promotion, kick off 2pm, whilst the Reserves have a weekend off.

Riccall United    3

Riccall continued with their promotion push with a hard earned 1-3 away win to strugglers Norwich Union, writes Chris Phillips.

In a cagey first half Riccall took sometime to slip into gear with the home sides battling style making it difficult to get the ball down and play some trademark attacking football. The deadlock was broken just after the half hour mark when Gary Collier sprung the offside trap getting on the end of a John Knowles through ball.

The lead didn't last when the home side were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Riccall area, that was expertly dispatched past the otherwise faultless Mark Hampshire. Riccall pushed on after the break and asserted their dominance on the game with commanding defending from the back four of James, Minto, Greenhough and man of the match Dale Huntington snuffing out any threat from the home side.

With the defence solid it gave the midfield the chance to push on with Ben Olsson and Daz Fawcett leading the way. It was John Knowles who turned provider again for Collier who made it 2-1 with some nice play from Liam Brown to help set up the goal. Riccall, with the game safe, were able to introduce substitutes Davis, Liam Olsson and Mark Pickard who gave a solid performance after a late call up from the reserves.

With only ten minutes left on the clock Riccall made it 3-1 when a Ben Olsson shot hit the bar and fell to Gary Collier, however this has been passed to the 'Dubious Goals Committee as some players had said that Olsson's shot had already crossed the line.

With Riccall currently 8 points clear at the top of the league they entertain Thorpe on Saturday where they will be looking to move a step closer to promotion.

Riccall United Reserves              2

Ouseburn United Reserves        2

Riccall turned in a disappointing performance but were able to rescue a point against Ouseburn in a 2-2 draw, writes Matthew Wood.

With manager Sean Bugg away on work, the team was left to assistant manager Matthew Wood, and Wood was unimpressed with the team as they put in a very sloppy performance from the start, and while Ouseburn weren't showing much either it was the visitors who took the lead after 10 minutes when Riccall gave away possession cheaply on the half way line which let Ouseburn break through the middle and the Ouseburn striker slotted under keeper Gardner's body. Riccall were showing none of the slick passing they had produced in previous games and another mistake allowed Ouseburn to take a 0-2 lead when Gardner misjudged a corner and the ball sailed straight into the goal. This kicked Riccall into life a little and they nearly got back into it when Dave Barber twice was unable to direct Smith's corners into the net with his head. David Lyon was a bright spot for Riccall and it was his long ball that started a move that was eventually finished by Neil Taylor. The half finished 1-2 to Ouseburn.

The 2nd half was an improvement from Riccall, helped by the rock solid centre half duo of Barber and Robinson, and the tireless running of midfielders Kozicki and Smith. Despite the improvement, Ouseburn should have gone 1-3 up had it not been for a world class save from Gardner and that save was made even more important when Taylor made it 2-2 following nice work from Tingey and sub Leech. Riccall piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes and nearly won it when first Robinson went close with a free kick, then in the last minute the Ouseburn keeper somehow stopped Tingey's 25 yard drive.

Kev Kozicki was the players man of the match and Dave Lyons was the managers man of the match.

Despite the fact that Riccall never looked like losing, the performance was far from fluent, with neither team creating much or retaining any notable possession. Thankfully however Riccall have started to take their chances more often and when Pickard broke down the right wing, he managed to deliver a low cross to Wales who coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner. Despite not creating many more chances, Riccall’s defence was rock solid, led by captain and man of the match Trev Robinson, and it was Robinson who double Riccall’s lead with a 20yrd free kick, which left the keeper with no chance. Robinson then got his second and the teams third with another stunning free kick and nearly made it a hat-trick of free kicks when the keeper saved brilliantly moments before half time.

The second half was a fairly dull affair with the best chance falling to Riccall when Pickard and Northern combined only for Pickard’s shot to go inches wide.

The game finished 3-0, and while the performance wasn’t great, the result was all that mattered.

Thorpe responded in the 2^nd half with the wind now at their backs and a lapse in concentration allowed Thorpe to level midway through the half before Thorpe also had a penalty appeal turned down and Riccall had another goal disallowed for some reason through Pete Collier.

Riccall remain 6 points clear with a game in hand with both sides still some way ahead of the chasing pack.

Riccall started like a house on fire and were bombarding the Poppleton goal straight from the kick off, lone striker Rob Wales was causing all sorts of problems for the Poppleton defence and it was Whales who got the opener for Riccall, scoring from close range. Riccall continued to pile on the pressure and nearly made it 2-0 when debutant Dave Lyons hit the bar from 30 yards out. Riccall did make it 2-0 when Pickard broke down the right wing and drilled a shot straight into the bottom corner. Pickard once again showed his class by getting his second and Riccall's third and then just before half time Wales got his second with some excellent skill before coolly slotting the ball past the keeper.

Riccall continued to be the better side in the second half and man of the match Wales sealed the win with his first hat trick for the club. The game fizzled out after the fifth goal but manager Sean Bugg was delighted that Riccall were finally able to take their chances and collect all 3 points.

Riccall United             2

United’s 1^st team had to fight hard for all 3 points against a very determined Easingwold side, described by manager Liam Bradley after the game as “the best side United had faced this season”.

United’s undefeated league record is now at the half way stage and a gap of 6 points as appeared between United at the top and Thorpe, who happen to be United’s next opponents, in 2^nd position. United started the brighter but the 1^st half soon became very tight with both sides cancelling each other out until United took the lead midway through the half. Good work from Northern sent Davis into the box and his left foot cross was smashed home from 6 yards out by Liam Brown.

Town found themselves level shortly after when Fawcett slipped and could only watch as the ball bobbled over him and into the path of the onrushing Town striker who slotted past an helpless Hampshire.

The 2^nd half belonged to United but Town weren’t rolling over and amongst all United’s possession, Town had 2 very good chances but they were denied by a determined United defence. Town were finally undone in the last 10 minutes when veteran striker Pete Collier showed his years of experience and class to bring the ball down; shrug off 3 Town players and pick a pinpoint cross that only needed a touch to guide it past the keeper by Ben Olsson.

Jeremy James and Liam Olsson shared the man of the match award.

Wilberfoss Reserves             1

Riccall reserves ended their 2 month goal drought but had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw against promotion chasing Wilberfoss, writes Matthew Wood.

Riccall started brightly, having the better share off the possession without creating too many chances, United's best chance fell to Tingey, who after working an opening in the area, had his shot blocked on the line by a Wilberfoss defender. Despite continued pressure from Riccall it was Wilberfoss who took the lead. Wilberfoss gained possession after some sloppy passing by the Riccall midfield, the Wilberfoss striker broke into the box and coolly slotted the ball past Gardner in the Riccall goal.

The 2nd half continued in the same vain as the first half, with Riccall playing the better football but Wilberfoss looking dangerous on the break. Debutant Rob Whales was causing problems for the Wilberfoss defence and wining everything in the air but Riccall still could not make the break through and were not creating any clear cut chances. And just when it seemed like Riccall were once again going to end up with nothing, Riccall captain Trev Robinson curled in a tremendous free kick from 25 yards out. Neither team were able to find a winner in the last 10 mins but manager Sean Bugg was relieved to get his 1st point despite the fact they were the better side.

United’s Reserves will hope to go one better next time when they host Poppleton on Saturday whilst the First Team have the big top of the table clash with local rivals Thorpe United to look forward to as they continue the defence of their unbeaten league record, both 2pm kick off’s.

Riccall overcame rust and a resilient and thuggish Stamford Bridge side to stamp their authority as Selby's most in-form side, writes Chris Phillips.

The home side looked shaky in the opening stages and rarely threatened with early chances falling to Collier and Knowles. It wasn't until a heated debate at half time that kick started Riccall into life, they came out after the break with all guns blazing. Andy Northern got on the end of a goal mouth scramble to slot the ball home from the edge of the box. The home side then sat back and allowed the visitors the equalise from a free kick.

Bradley instantly introduced Ben Olsson and the evergreen Pete Collier and this proved vital with both playing their part in United’s 2^nd that was scrambled home by Liam Olsson. Riccall showed great character and further extended their lead with a great solo effort from John Knowles. The striker finished off a fine solo run by firing into the bottom right corner before the home defence had to withstand some pressure late on from the visitors with man of the match Dean Greenhough keeping Huntington, Minto and James in line.

The win ensured that Riccall made it 7 wins on the bounce and The Sportsfield is now becoming a fortress having gone unbeaten in 12 at home.

Riccall's reserves once again failed to find the net and were made to pay by a well organised and determined Poppleton reserve team, going down 1-0 in new manager Sean Bugg's first game in charge, writes Matthew Wood

Riccall started the game brightly and should have been two up within the first 5 minutes, first, the excellent Neil Taylor broke into the box and hit a stinging low drive which was denied by the post, then only minutes later Dave Barber headed straight at the keeper from only 8 yards out. Riccall continued to pile on the pressure in the first 30 minutes but once again failed to take any of there chances with Shah missing form 3 yards out and neither Tingey or Taylor could test the keeper when in a good position to score. Despite the frustration of not scoring, Riccall were rarely troubled in the first half with the central midfield trio of Morton, Smith and Kozicki all in fine form.

The second half was a slightly more even affair with Poppleton starting to assert thereselve's on the game, testing the very solid Mark Gardner in the Riccall goal on a number of occasions. But Riccall were still wasting many chances and were made to pay when some sloppy defending left the Poppleton centre half unmarked and he found the net with a looping header. Riccall tried to regain control of the match and continued to put pressure on the Poppleton goal but never got the goal they deserved and Riccall's performance was summed up in the final minute when Neil Taylor could only find the side netting from a good position.

Riccall have now not scored a league goal since November 15th but hope to change that when they entertain Wilberfoss on Saturday.

Neil Taylor was the Man of the Match.

Riccall dominated from start to finish on Saturday, Gary Collier had the first chance the game going clean through only to see his shot saved buy the home keeper, in what would prove to be a frustrating day in front of goal for the striker.

The home side couldn’t cope with the constant attacking play by Riccall, with wingers Roughly and Brown linking up with their full backs James and Minto to create a number of good chances. It was from one of these moves the deadlock was broken when Riccall were awarded a free-kick. It was John Knowles who delivered a piping hot free kick to put the visitors in front.

Collier again went close with a superb volley crashing against the bar. With the balance of play so one sided it gave defenders Greenough and man of the match Fawcett along with keeper Mark Gardner an easy afternoon. Riccall continued to press in the second period with the Olsson brothers continuing to prove their class.

It was 2-0 when Collier finally got his reward, stabbing home his own shot, which had previously been saved by the home keeper, from close range.

Riccall will look to continue their great form away to Pocklington on Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Riccall stretched their winning run to 4 league games to remain top of division one, writes Chris Phillips

The home side fell behind when Union scored early on with a well worked team moved. This sparked the home team into life and they were soon back on terms with Daz Fawcett continuing his scoring run heading home from just inside the box. Riccall soon went ahead when an under the weather Ben Olsson beat two men and slotted home, it would prove to Olsson’s last contribution of the match as his illness took it’s toll and he had to be withdrawn after taking a turn for the worse.

The visitors were not be outdone and struck back with the last kick of the first half to go in at the break with the scores level. With some harsh words from manager Liam Bradley during the half-time team talk, it proved almost inspired when Gary Collier broke into the box only to be brought down for a penalty. Liam Brown was given the task of converting the spot which he proceeded to do in expert fashion slotting the ball past the keeper into the bottom left corner.

It was the last five minutes of the match that proved to be the most exciting with the visitors being awarded a controversial penalty in the last minute which looked to have secured a point for the away side but justice was to be done in the 94^th minute with Fawcett, again, fired home from 18 yards into the top corner to send the healthy home crowd into raptures.

Riccall will look to continue on their winning ways away at Ouseburn on Saturday, kick off 2pm.

Riccall United FC            1

United went top of Division 1 with a hard fought 0-1 victory over Nestle Rowntrees at the weekend. The game itself was a very scrappy affair with neither side ever really getting into full flow because of a chewed up surface and bad fog.

The only moment of any real quality came moments after half time and it proved to be the decisive moment. A well worked free-kick straight from the training ground between John Knowles and Liam Brown provided Daz Fawcett with the simplest of chances and he didn’t disappoint with his 12^th in all competitions this season from midfield.

Dean Greenhough was man of the match, marshalling the back four excellently to a clean sheet in difficult conditions. Dale Huntington also came in for special praise after the centre half performed heroics between the sticks with the club missing all 5 of their keepers.

Riccall United Reserves                           0

Pocklington Town Reserves                    4

United’s Reserves conceded their 3^rd straight league defeat on the bounce despite the performance not really warranting such a flattering scoreline. United must now bounce back and quick with their very good promotion prospects a few weeks ago now taking a knock.

Unfortunately after the game, Reserve Team Manager Mick Wright stepped down from the position. The club would like to thank Mick for all his efforts over the last 3 years. The club are now looking to replace Mick over the next few weeks. Anyone seriously interested should contact Liam Bradley via the details on the club’s website, www.riccallunitedfc.com.

This Saturday United are at home to Norwich Union in Division 1 whilst the Reserves are in action against Easingwold Town away, both 2pm kick offs.

United came out all guns blazing in the second period and totally outclassed their opposition with a very comfortable defensive display and an excellent passing performance that left Bish chasing shadows. Andy Northern scored direct from a corner to double the lead and settle any nerves and he nearly repeated it moments later. Gary Collier doubled his tally with a header from the next Northern corner before Roughley crossed for the on running Daz Fawcett to drive home. Andy Northern completed the rout with his 2^nd, coolly picking his spot. Dean Greenhough and the new signing Liam Brown came in for special mention, picking up the man of the match award.

“Despite what people may think this is a very ambitious set of lads who have a long term aim with this club and they realise that short term sacrifices needed to be made in order to achieve it with the lads and the club they wanted to achieve it with.”

United made one or two enforced changes for the first time this season and this appeared to take sometime settle but midway through the half United had the lead when man of the match Daz Fawcett latched on to a through ball from Gary Collier and sent a low thunderous strike past the Bridge keeper.

United were controlling the game and comfortable but without making any further significant advances on the Bridge goal in the first half.

Stamford Bridge found themselves level immediately after the break when they benefited from a dodgy looking offside decision and were presented with a tap in after United’s defence and keeper had stopped.

Despite a couple of nervy moments, United had the better of the second half but found it difficult to breakdown Bridge until delicate chip over from Fawcett allowed  Andy Northern to calmly run 25 yards; stop; round the defender; and then pass the ball into the bottom corner. Moments later Collier rounded his marker before hammering the ball past the keeper from the edge of the area to put the game beyond Stamford Bridge.

Sean Bugg was unlucky when his volley from the edge of the area was ruled out for offside but Ben Olsson did make it 1-4 when he ran onto a cross field ball from John Knowles and chipped it over the advancing keeper.

In a game in which United created many chances, it took 25 minutes for the opener to come. John Knowles played the ball over the defence and Daz Fawcett beat the advancing keeper to the ball and with an athletic chip lifted it over him and into the back of the net. 10 minutes later and United were 2 up when Gaz Collier and Jason Roughley combined to play in John Knowles who drove low past the keeper from an acute angle.

Riccall had Andy Leech to thank for keeping their 2 goal cushion when Dringhouses created a rare chance on the stroke of half time. Leech pulled off a stunning save from a point blank header from just 6 yards out.

The second half saw many chances squandered by United but the game was put beyond any doubt when Liam Olsson found himself alone inside the box with the simplest of tap ins. Dringhouses did grab a late consolation but it was United who progress to the 2^nd round and deservedly so. Hare and Hounds man of the match was Peter Minto.

The game was over shadowed by a freak injury to centre half Tom Free who spent 2 nights in hospital after a collision with his own keeper.

The score line doesn’t quite put the correct picture across with United totally dominating the encounter but occasionally just lacking that little bit of final ball quality in the final 3^rd of play. Following impressive back to back cup victories over Tadcaster and Wilberfoss, Bradley again named an unchanged starting 11, hoping that they could get off to the perfect start.

United created plenty of chances but were made to work and wait for the opening goal that came with the half drawing to a close. A collision between the visitor’s keeper and defender allowed Gary Collier to tap into an empty for 1-0. Seconds later Gary Collier made it 2-0 when Captain Jeremy James strode forward from full back and picked out Collier with a squared ball.

Moments into the second half, United put the game beyond any doubt when Liam Olsson played John Knowles in and his strike from the corner of the area fizzed into the far top corner. Dale Huntington; Paul Shah; and Pete Collier all entered the encounter to provide some fresh legs and increased attacking options.

Although Ouseburn barely threatened all day and never looked like scoring, they did manage to scramble the ball over the line for 3-1 despite the best efforts of Darren Fawcett and Mark Hampshire. United’s response was a 4^th with Gary Collier turning to provider for Pete Collier who tapped in from close range. Further chances were squandered and a tired Riccall side could only look on when Ouseburn broke and scored a consolation 2^nd to leave the score line flattering towards Ouseburn to say the very least.

Hare and Hounds Man of the Match was Gary Collier although he was pushed very closely by Fawcett; Olsson and Roughley.

Despite Captain Sean Bugg’s early penalty miss, Joint Man of the Match Tom Wright grabbed himself an hat trick whilst strike partner for the day Mark Pickard also scored his 2^nd and 3^rd goals of the season following on from the cup victory over Easingwold in August.

The first half proved to be a close affair with neither side having any real chances to note. United however, started the second half playing like a side full of confidence and with a chance of still going up, like some weeks ago now. Despite United’s dominance of possession and play, it was Tadcaster that took the lead when they broke quickly after another United attack, and caught United stretched at the far post, with the Tad winger making no mistake with a sweet volley.

This seemed to get United going even more with chance upon chance being created without really making the Tad keeper work. United did finally get their equaliser midway through the half with a great low drive from the edge of the area from Kevin Kozicki, which beat a fully stretched keeper into the bottom corner. Again United pressed with chances falling to Knowles, Northern, Bugg and Kozicki who nearly won it with an identical strike.

United finished the season with a draw against a very well organised Tadcaster side and will now look forward to the final and next season. Man of the Match was Captain Jeremy James, who was excellent throughout, a real full on committed performance from the skipper.

In a blustery and scrappy first half it was United that looked the only likely victor with the Backline of James; Greenhough; and man of the match Davis ensuring that Leech in the United goal had an eventless afternoon. It was more a matter of when and not if United could score and indeed they were made to wait and be patient for the lead which eventually came in the 44 minute when a Knowles corner was met by Pears who headed home from a yard out.

Bugg was withdrawn shortly after the break with blurred vision and replaced by long serving Grant Saker making a welcome 1^st appearance of the season following an injury plagued year. Northern tucked inside with Olsson and Kozicki who were completely dominant in midfield without having to step out of second gear.

Pears and Collier both went close to doubling the lead before top goalscorer Knowles finally did with a left footed drive into the far corner midway through the half. With 5 games to go promotion is now in United’s own hands and Bradley will hope that several key individuals will make a return in time for the run in.

Meanwhile, a severely depleted United Reserves went down to a 0-2 defeat at home to fellow promotion chasers Bishopthorpe United to leave their own promotion hopes slim.

Heslington took the lead after just 5 minutes when skipper Jeremy James was judged to have handled when the ball bounced up at him in the area. The Heslington forward made no mistake from the spot. It took just 3 minutes for United to level when a John Knowles corner bounced up in front of Northern and he dispatched an unstoppable strike that curled away from the keeper into the top corner.

United still weren’t in full flow against the basement club but in truth never really needed to get out of 2^nd gear. There were however some moments of quality and this was the case when John Knowles dropped the shoulder and then breezed past his marker before finding the bottom corner to make it 2-1. Knowles then grabbed his second before the break to make it 3-1 when he pounced on a Northern delivery with only the keeper to beat from a yard.

Bradley and Wood wanted more tempo and quality in the second half but again found a United side playing at the level of their opponents. Despite this United grabbed a 4^th when a Pears cross floated in after catching a gust of wind. The tie was put completely out of reach when Knowles completed his hat trick with a volley from the edge of the area.

Man of the Match was Sean Bugg in his first start of the season for the first team.

Like in recent games United started brightly and looked to be very solid throughout the opening half hour but Easingwold finished the first half strongly and it was the hosts that came closest to opening the scoring when a free kick from range struck the post with Riccall limited to efforts from range.

United started the second half the better of the two sides and seemed to be getting more luck going forward with the wind in their faces. Collier came close with a turn and strike from the edge of the box that forced an excellent save from the keeper low to his right and Northern could have scored when the ball cleared everyone to find him at the back post but his strike was comfortable for the keeper to gather.

United continued to press with the knowledge that the back four of James; Land; Hunter and man of the match Davis were having a very solid and comfortable game at the back. The opener seemed to be only a matter of time away with Collier getting more and more involved and bringing those around him into the game. It proved to be Collier that played a crucial role in the opener when he was sent down the line by an excellent defence splitting pass from Hunter and he beat his man and cut back to prove Pears with the simplest of tap ins for his 10^th of the season.

This seemed to spark Easingwold into life with the game becoming end to end but after a couple of scares from corners, it was United that sealed the points with the last kick of the game. Collier was the only man forward when the ball was cleared from a corner and after collecting the ball just inside his own half, Collier dribbled in and out of 3 Town defenders before driving low into the bottom corner from just inside the area.

Meanwhile, United’s second string could only manage a point with a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Despite having by far the better of the game and the chances United found themselves a goal down at half time. Following the break United drew level when Hollis Bills swung a corner straight in. Unfortunately United’s efforts didn’t get them all 3 points. Man of the match was centre half Tom Free

It soon became 2-0 on the hour mark when man of the match Ben Olsson capped another excellent display with his first goal for the club. Olsson collected the ball just inside the Bish half before beating a couple of men and firing in to the bottom corner leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.  

United were now full of confidence and cruising. Collier and Northern were rested and Bugg and Lee were introduced to provide fresh legs and this seemed to give United a boost. With 72 minutes on the clock United extended their lead further with a moment of brilliance from leading scorer John Knowles. Having collected the ball midway through the Bish half, he turned and ran at the defence with intent beating all that stood between him and goal before firing into the far corner with a left footed strike from an acute angle.

With 5 minutes remaining Bish grabbed a consolation with an unstoppable strike but the result was never in danger with United now unbeaten in 4. 

The first half was surprisingly one sided with United dominant in midfield, creative and threatening going forward and defending bravely in numbers when required. Time and time United created chances but in difficult conditions they failed to capitalise until Barnett headed home midway through the half following a series of 8 corners in quick succession from Knowles and Northern firmly put the pressure on.

Disaster struck on the brink of halftime completely against the run of play when a looping header beat Hampshire who was otherwise untested all half. 1-1 at half time.

Riccall knew it was going to be a fight to win this one in the second half, and fight is exactly what they did with Yorkies throwing everything at United but unable to break down the strong backline of Captain James; Land and man of the match Minto protected superbly by Olsson; Kozicki and Northern. And it was United that re-took the lead when Pears dribbled into the box only to be shoved to the ground for a penalty. Top goalscorer John Knowles went missing for the penalty so up stepped Pete Collier at a time when a cool head was needed and he gave the keeper no chance with a beauty from 12 yards.

United battled out the remainder of the tie to book their place in the final 4.

From the off Riccall, starting with a new look 4-4-2, looked up for this game, and almost had the dream start when a Sean Bugg corner bounced around in the box and fell to Trev Robinson who hit a fierce volley which the keeper did very well to save. Haxby looked unsettled and didn’t create a lot, but anything they did was met with a fierce challenge from the outstanding back four of Phillips, Free, Robinson and Davis. Riccall finally made their first half pressure count, when Robinson beat the keeper this time from an Andy Phillips cross, after good work from Tingey and Bills.

The Second half Riccall were a little slower out the blocks, and Gardner had to be alert when called upon for a rare Haxby shot at goal. 15mins in and Westwood replaced Pickard who had ran tirelessly throughout the 1^st half. Getting more and more frustrated, Haxby started to argue amongst themselves and after several warnings from the referee for bad language; they were reduced to 10 men.

Riccall knew they had to kill the game and made sure of that after excellent trickery from Westwood down the right, who beat two men then cut back to Shah who made no mistake with the finish to make it 2 nil. Riccall finished on a high with the move of the match when Davis picked it up on the halfway line, gave it short to Bugg who picked out Westwood on the opposite wing, who again beat his man and squared to Davis who continued his run into the box and neatly turned his man and placed it into the bottom corner to secure the win. Morton replaced Davis for the final 10mins of the game. Trevor Robinson was named Man of the Match, with numerous contenders to choose from a fine display, which puts Riccall well in the mix for the title.

Manager Mick Wright brought on Pickard to replace Tom Wright. Riccall started slowly and again they were the better team but didn’t create many chances with a resolute Stamford Bridge working hard to thwart all of Riccall’s attempts. Riccall plugged away and had to wait until the 70th minute mark for the equaliser. A great piece of individual brilliance from flying winger Mark Pickard who latched onto a sloppy pass and ran at the back four at pace before squaring to Saker who had the easiest of tasks to slide the ball in. Riccall were in complete control now and force successive corners in which centre back Dave Barber had a stinging volley cleared off the line and the next corner saw Barbers centre back partner Tom Free denied a goal by a wonder save. Phillips and Shah replaced Cronian and Bugg. Another moment of individual brilliance saw Riccall take the lead when man of the match Ben Ollson showed fantastic composure to beat two players and slide the ball through for Paul Shah who rounded the keeper and slammed the ball home for 2-1. Riccall had keeper Mark Gardner to thank for the three points when in the last minute he was called into action to save a header which was bound for the top corner until Gardner pulled off what was later described as a world class save.

United started brightly, eager to respond positively following the Poppleton match and it didn’t take long for them to stamp their authority when Neil Hunter’s excellent through ball split the Bridge defence clean in two and sent Johnny Barnett through to pass the ball past the advancing goalkeeper for 1-0. Bridge responded positively and got themselves back on level terms when United failed to deal with a cross and the resultant header looped up and over Leech who was stranded in no man’s land.

United’s nerves were soon calmed again when the Bridge midfield seemed to part like the red sea allowing Kevin Kozicki to run 20 yards before unleashing an unstoppable strike from 25 yards out leaving the keeper rooted to the spot for 2-1.

United were now starting to dominate possession with the tireless efforts of debutant Will Ramsey and Kevin Kozicki allowing Northern and Barnett to attack, in support of Collier and Knowles, at every opportunity. United’s third came midway through the second half when Barnett was sent through by Pears only to see his strike rebound to Collier who made no mistake from the edge of the area. United were now in total control with man of the match Darren Davis a rock at the heart of the defence alongside Minto and James.

3 soon became 4 when a Northern corner was met by top scorer Knowles and he could of made it 5 but for a terrible miss from a yard when faced with an open net. Bridge did manage a consolation in the final minute to make the scoreline more respectably although it did flatter them.

United appeared to shake off their 1^st half performance and went in search of the victory and they didn’t have to wait long for the opener. Johnny Barnett picked up the ball on the left and his inside pass was cleverly diverted into the path of the on rushing Andy Northern by Pete Collier and with defender and keeper to beat Northern curled it round both into the top corner with just 30 seconds gone in the 2^nd half.  

It soon became 0-2 when Wes Pears somehow out paced everyone to get on to the end of a long ball and he slid the ball past the Pock keeper for his 7^th of the season. And shortly after Johnny Barnett made it 0-3 with a strike from the edge of the box that struck the inside of the post and nestled in the bottom corner.

Barnett and Collier were handed a rest with Winter and Shah replacing them and both could of further extended United’s lead but were unfortunate with their efforts. Neil Hunter impressed at left back on his debut and Martin Land was a rock at the heart of the defence again but the man of the match award went to his centre half partner Peter Minto.

Johnny Barnett opened the scoring midway through the half when he got on the end of a Northern pass and rounded the keeper for slot home. It was soon 2-0 when Pears didn’t give up on a pass that seemed to be running out of play and his cross was met perfectly by the run of Tom Law who thundered his strike into the bottom corner giving the keeper no chance. Pears completed the scoring from a Northern corner when he out jumped everyone to head home.

With the wind against them Riccall were under threat from the off but despite a disjointed first half display the back four of Hunter, Barber, Free and Phillips managed to hold firm. Under pressure Riccall managed to extend their lead when a perfect pass from Hollis Bills found Tingey who slid the ball across for Morton to finish inside the near post for his first goal for Riccall. Riccall keeper Mark Gardner made two outstanding saves to preserve the home sides two goal lead. Riccall did make more chances to kill the game with Tom Wright hitting the bar and having a goal ruled out for a tight offside decision. Harris was brought on to replace Shah and with his first touch forced the keeper into a save and after winning the ball on halfway he ran the ball himself and showed fantastic composure only to see his curling shot rebound off the post with the keeper stranded.

United could have had more then 20 goals in a match that resembled a training game for the club. By half time United had built up a 5-0 lead through goals from Andy Northern (2); Wes Pears; Kevin Kozicki and Johnny Barnett. This prompted Bradley to rest Pete Collier and Mick Carmody for the 2^nd half. United continued in the same fashion in the second half with Pears adding a further 4 goals to take his personal tally to 5 and Tom Law making it 10-0 earning him a rest for the final 15 minutes. Osbaldwick won and converted a dubious penalty that ruined United’s chances of a deserved clean sheet. Before the end Johnny Barnett grabbed his second of the game and won a penalty that man of the match Andy Northern converted to complete his hat trick.

There were no changes at half time to either the line ups or the pattern of the game as Riccall continued to pressure. After another mazy run from Pickard beating three men along the way he squared for Tingey who shot straight at the keeper to be denied what seemed a certain goal. The home side started to get some attacking momentum but still couldn’t find a way passed the stubborn back line of Riccall with centre back Tom Free later named Man of the match. Grant Saker was introduced to the action replacing the impressive Mark Pickard. Riccall showed amazing character once again digging deep to make sure of victory. They did however make some more chances with Tingey hitting the bar from 20 yards and after some good work from the returning Saker and Bills, Morton was given the chance for his first Riccall goal only to find the side netting. Riccall stood firm and were unfortunate to concede a few minutes from time when a shot took a wicked deflection off Bills wrong footing Gardner in the Riccall goal giving him no chance.

Moments later and Riccall’s chances were dealt a cruel blow. Keeper Andy Leech saved bravely at the feet of an Amotherby forward but sustained a nasty cut above his eye which required hospital treatment. This left Riccall keeperless and managerless with centre half Peter Minto deputising in the United goal.

Despite this blow Riccall battled and defended their way to half time with the scores still level. Following the break United came out fighting and could and really should have been out of sight following a period of 25 minutes of constant pressure and chances that should have been converted. Johnny Barnett was introduced by assistant Wood and with his first touch he gave United a 1-2 lead.

Riccall were battling hard to a good result despite the loss of Leech but with 10 minutes remaining on the clock the referee awarded a penalty to Amotherby when it appeared Carmody got the ball and it was just outside the area. Minto got a hand to the spotkick but was unable to prevent the equaliser. Moments later and Amotherby snatched an unlikely winner when Minto was beaten by a close range freekick which would normally be saved by a goalkeeper.

Riccall’s first goal attempt came from a free kick from all of 25 yards which Captain Andy Phillips struck just over. Not long after St Johns took the lead when following a Riccall attack they broke quickly and Riccall allowed the striker to carry the ball unchallenged before he unleashed an unstoppable strike for 1-0. Riccall continued to scrap for every ball with the midfield quartet of Bills, Winter, Ollson, and Tingey covering a lot of ground.

Riccall continued to work with little reward as early on in the second half St Johns put together a great move leaving the striker with a simple tap in. Paul Shah and Tom Wright were chasing down every ball up front for Riccall. Pickard was brought on to replace Tom Wright who had run his socks off for the Riccall cause. Riccall got reward for the huge efforts they had put in when centre back Dave Barber picked the ball up on half way his pass split the home defence for the first time for Tingey to finish with ease for 2-1. Harris replaced Shah and got straight into the action when Pickard sent over an inviting cross only for Harris to head the chance just wide. The tie was all but finished when the referee failed to spot a clear offside which allowed the centre forward the freedom of the pitch to round the keeper and make it 3-1. Pickard and Harris missed good chances to get Riccall back into the game. The result was probably a bit harsh on Riccall who worked hard and got little for the work they put into the game.

Riccall didn’t need to wait long for the opening goal. Following a couple of good scoring opportunities, Riccall did open the scoring on 5 minutes when Northern beat his man down the left and crossed from the touchline for Tom Law to convert from close range for his fourth goal of the season.

United continued to create chances with Collier; Knowles; Cronian and Northern all coming close to adding further to the lead but it was Heslington that levelled against the run of play with a glancing header at the front post. Within minutes Riccall again had the lead when Knowles picked up the ball on the corner of the area and picked out the far post, with the keeper at full stretch, for his 8^th goal of the season. Further chances fell to Collier and Knowles before the half came to a close and Riccall should have been out of sight.

The second half was a scrappy affair with very few chances of note although Collier came close twice to scoring the goal his game deserved so much. Riccall’s back four, of Captain James; Minto; Carmody and Brown, had to be on their game in the second half with Minto and Carmody particularly good.

Early in the second half Riccall lost Pickard to injury but he was replaced by Harris. Panthers came out of the blocks flying and soon took control of possession but couldn’t break down Riccall’s back four of Wright, Barber, Morton and Captain Phillips. The visitors continued to pressure the home defence but it was Riccall who broke the deadlock on the counter when Andy Phillips floated in a pin point cross to goal machine Paul Shah who glanced his header into the far corner for his ninth of the season. The pressure was relentless on Riccall but still the back four stood firm well protected by the hard work of home debutant Ben Ollson. When Hamilton broke down Riccall’s stubborn defence Mark Gardner was quick off his line to save well and keep the host’s lead intact. Riccall caught the visitors defence out again when Ollson split the defence wide open with a fantastic through ball for Barnett to strike the ball in from all of thirty five yards for 2-0. A minute later Panthers got a well deserved goal when some slick passing allowed the striker to tap in for 2-1. Riccall’s resolve was tested right to the end but they held on for a morale boosting victory.

It seemed Riccall were again having one of those days, when slack defending of a corner allowed the Rec player a free header at the far post for 0-1 and United found it tough to get going in the opening 45 minutes of the encounter.

Into the second half and it was a completely different United that took to the field and they showed patience and character to level with only fifteen minutes left on the clock. And what a beauty it was when it came with Man of the Match Pete Minto volleying into the far top corner from 25yards out for 1-1.

United wanted a winner in normal time and no player more so than John Knowles who great solo effort has won the tie for United. Knowles picked the ball up just inside his own half and he weaved his way through a string of Rec players before finding the bottom left corner with a superb strike. It was no more than the striker deserved, with his second half performance a real plus point.

Riccall Should have had a third in the closing seconds when Pete Collier broke clear at the half way line before squaring just inside the area for Northern, but his strike was well saved by the Rec keeper.

United travel to bottom placed Heslington this weekend hoping to kick start their league campaign.

United’s Reserves 100% Reserve B record came crashing with a 7-0 hammering at the hands of Haxby United Reserves. They’ll be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend when they host Hamilton Panthers.

United were fantastic in the opening 25 minutes with Johnny Barnett grabbing a goal to give United the lead but poor defending allowed Union back into the tie before the end of the half with the teams going in at 1-1 at half time.

United’s second half was very poor as they fell 3-1 behind before Ryan Chadwick’s wonder goal brought them back into the tie. Collier went close twice but was denied by the outstretched foot of the Union Keeper.

Mick Wright stated he wanted the width of the pitch to be used and Riccall did exactly that. Mark Pickard was made a very busy man during the first half working the right hand side hard alongside Andy Phillips who was causing problems with some great deliveries which Riccall were failing to get on the end of. At the break the sides went in at zero each, after Riccall constant domination.

Riccall came into the second half exactly the same, with what Mick Wright calls his 'Midfield Trio' Kozicki, Bugg and Ramsey controlling the game and creating endless chances for Paul Shah who was creating real problems all day for the Builder defence. The deadlock was finally broken when Bugg picked the ball up and neatly put Shah through to add another goal to his season tally. Minutes later Will Ramsey came up with the second with a strike from distance.

The defence of Free and Bills were finding it hard to stay awake in this game as they were never really troubled, they stayed solid when needed though and did a good job when called upon. The second half saw introduction of Thomas Wright who made an instant impact working well down the left hand side. The third came when Bugg won the ball and nicely picked out the net from 25 yards. Minutes later Kevin Kozicki finally got the goal he deserved all game and all season so far, and didn't he do it in style with a great volley from 18 yards out. 

The game ended in style when Shah scored a Didier Drogba like turn a volley from long range to keep his great scoring record rolling on.

Amotherby took the lead within the first 5 minutes when they hit United on the counter attack. A long ball over the top caught United out and the Amotherby striker’s shot, that seemed to be sailing wide, cruelly struck Mick Carmody and found the bottom corner of the outstretched Mark Hampshire’s goal.

United were again very dominant with their possession and territorial advantage but yet again like so many times this season they failed to convert this into chances and ultimately goals. Man of the Match Jeremy James, restored to the centre of midfield, was throwing himself into every challenge and Cronian was chasing everything but United lacked the killer instinct.

Davis replaced Westwood at the interval and this seemed to liven United up with Hampshire still very much a spectator in the United goal as United pushed forward only to find Amotherby standing firm.

The second goal came with the end in sight and again Amotherby hit United on the counter attack with a close range drive that crept under Hampshire for 0-2.

This Saturday Riccall travel to Norwich Union whilst the Reserves are back in action with an home tie in the York FA Junior Cup 2^nd Round versus LNER Builders, both 2pm kick off’s.

Mick Wright welcomed back Tom Free after a brief spell on the sidelines but the towering centre back had to be content with a place on the bench. Riccall flew out of the blocks making several good openings in the first ten minutes. Will Ramsey was causing mayhem amongst the home defence but failed to beat the keeper on a few occasions. The first goal arrived from a Tom Wright corner which was cleverly dummied by in form Paul Shah for Mark Pickard to place the ball into the roof of the net. Riccall continued to dominate with the back four of Phillips, Barber, Morton and Lee rarely tested. The second arrived shortly after. After some good work from Ramsey, his shot was well saved by the keeper but the rebound fell to Shah who finished with ease for his fifth in three games. The half fizzled out with Riccall creating numerous chances but failing to add to the score.

Riccall started the second half in the same fashion, making a lot of chances but failing to make there dominance count. After some good work from Pickard, on the right, Riccall scored their third. Pickard beat two players and squared to Bugg whose shot was well saved only for youngster Tom Wright to fire home for 3-0. The lively Kevin Kozicki played Sean Bugg through and he cleverly chipped the keeper only to see a desperate defender tap the ball over the bar with his hand for a penalty. Sean Bugg took the penalty himself and dispatched with minimum fuss for 4-0. Mick Wright brought on Harris for Shah and he got straight into the action when a looping cross from Tom Wright was nodded back across goal by Dave Barber for Harris to tap in from close range. Wetherall came on to replace the impressive Tom Wright. The next goal was a moment of individual brilliance when Harris picked the ball up wide on the left and skipped past his man and ran into the box and from a seemingly impossible angle steered his shot into the top corner for a splendid sixth. The hosts got a goal back when a mix up between goalkeeper Jackson and the usually reliable Tom Free allowed the Malton and Norton Player to smash the ball past Jackson for 6-1. Riccall carried on their dominance and Ramsey rounded off the scoring in style for 7-1. The moment of the match came when sub Jamie Wetherall struck a venomous shot which was saved well but as the ball looped up the Wetherall performed a spectacular acrobatic volley which only just fell wide for what would been a fine goal for the well liked big man!

United exited the York FA Senior Cup at the 1^st stage for the second year running with a final score that isn’t a true reflection of the game and the performance of Riccall but a reminder that they must start converting their domination into goals.

Following a nervous first ten minutes from United, they finally settled against their premier division opposition and began to slowly take control of the game with Winter winning every tackle in midfield and Westwood and man of the match Jeremy James particularly threatening down the right hand side. The back four were in total control allowing the remainder of the side the freedom and confidence to push forward. It was difficult for any neutral watching the game to determine who was in the higher division as United left their opposition chasing shadows.

Some poor offside calls from the referee were the only thing preventing the lively Pears and Knowles the opportunity to open the score.

It was again an error from the referee rather than the United side that allowed Malton a corner which resulted in the opening goal late in the 1^st half. A thunderous header was tipped onto the bar by Hampshire only for the unfortunate keeper to turn round and fumble the ball over the line.

United again came at their opponents in the second half and were even more dominant with Johnny Barnett tormenting the Malton defence time and time again. Unfortunately for United John Knowles limped off injured and so did United’s best hope of a goal.

The second goal came totally against the run of play and left United wondering exactly what they had to do to get a break with the Malton striker receiving the ball in an offside position before executing a wonderful chip over the keeper for 2-0. United refused to give in and should have had at least one back when Tom Law turned and struck over from 8 yards, a goal would have been the least United deserved.

This Saturday United’s 1^st Team face Roos in the East Riding Intermediate Country Cup 1^st Round at Home whilst the Reserves make the journey to Malton & Norton in Reserve B, both 2pm kick off’s.

Following the disappointment of dropping three points the previous week, Riccall were in East Riding cup action aiming to re-ignite their season. The preliminary round provided United the opportunity to face off against Division 1 rivals Stamford Bridge, who had started the season in the same positive manner as Riccall had.

Riccall had the better of the first half with the midfield dominating possession and the full side playing and passing the ball around with vast amounts of confidence. Despite this it was Stamford Bridge who grabbed the lead when they broke following a Riccall throw deep in the Bridge half, and the Bridge forward tricked and turned his way to a one on one chance which he slotted away with ease.

Riccall instantly came back to life and again took the game to their hosts with chances falling to Knowles and Law but both failed to get their shots off. With time running out in the half up Davis and Westwood linked up on the right to deliver a cross that Jeremy James chested down to Knowles who turned and fired home for 1-1.

Into the second half and United continued to dominate possession but failed to put the game to bed with Knowles missing a couple of good opportunities to put the game beyond Stamford Bridge. United brought on Pears to aid Knowles and the addition seemed to help the Riccall cause with Pears forcing a save from an opportunist strike. United’s break came with only 8 minutes left on the clock when Pears was hacked down inside the box and up stepped Mick Carmody to neatly pass the ball into the net for 1-2.

Bradley would have hoped his side could see out the clock but this failed to be the case and Stamford Bridge levelled from the spot during injury time to force the additional 30 minutes.

It was Riccall extra fitness that overcame a resilient Stamford Bridge side in the end with Pears opening his Riccall account with a great solo effort from the edge of the box to send Riccall into the 1^st Round and a tie with Roos.

Mark Hampshire collected the man of the match for some fine saves and generally commanding his box superbly.

Riccall’s reserves locked horns with Poppleton’s reserves for the second Saturday running this time in the Reserve Cup. Riccall were bursting with confidence after thumping their opponents 6-0 seven days earlier and this showed right from the off. Straight from the kick off youngster Kozicki sent a ball down the left for Craig Lee who squared the ball to Shah who smashed the ball into the top corner for 1-0 with only 37 seconds on the clock. Riccall took control of the game with some neat passing throughout the five man midfield of Wright, Ramsey, Bills, Bugg, and man of the match Kozicki. Good build up play by Phillips and Bugg on the right saw Bugg centre to the well timed run of Ramsey and he side footed with minimum fuss for 2-0. Poppleton grabbed a dubious goal back when it seemed that Craig Lee was pushed in the back but the ref allowed play to continue and the resulting cross was met well by the hosts left winger for 2-1. It didn’t take Riccall long to get back their two goal advantage when a pin point cross from Phillips was met by Shah who glanced a header into the far corner. Poppleton pulled another goal back on the stroke of half time when centre back Dave Barber let his man turn him inside the box and fire the ball into the top corner giving Keeper Jackson no chance.

Mick Wright replaced Bugg with Wadsworth at half time. Poppleton started the better in the second half putting pressure on Riccall’s back line who stood firm. Seeing this prompted Mick Wright to bring on Harris for Shah and the returning Pickard for Tom Wright. These proved good changes as Pickard’s constant threat down the left gave Riccall some much needed breathing space. It was Pickard who restored Riccall’s two goal advantage when he blocked an attempted clearance and shot across the keeper and in off the post for 4-2. Riccall seemed to calm down after the goal with Captain Phillips a calming influence. Against the run of play Poppleton scored a goal from corner which Riccall defended poorly and the header squeezed between Jackson and Kozicki for 4-3. This spurred Riccall on once more and the three substitutes combined to put the game to bed. Waddington fed Pickard with a good cross field pass Pickard beat his man and delivered an inviting cross for Harris to side foot in from six yards.

Riccall United Reserves took to life in Reserve B very well with a thumping win against Poppleton’s second string. Riccall started brightly with some neat early passing but rarely threatened Poppleton’s goal. Jackson in the Riccall goal was called into action to tip a long range effort over the bar. Riccall's back four of Phillips, Morton, man of the match Dave Barber, and Lee carried on where they left off last season with a typically stubborn display limiting the hosts to long range efforts. The first goal came from some good build up play eventually rounded off by a stunning 25 yard strike from Riccall’s talented youngster Will Ramsey.

Manager Mick Wright decided to replace Harris with Shah at half time with the decision paying immediate dividends as two minutes into the second half Shah met a cross from Phillips and glanced his header beyond the keeper for 2-0. Riccall continued to dominate and it wasn’t long before the third arrived when debutant and manager Mick Wright’s son, Tom Wright picked the ball up 20 yards from goal and delivered a sublime chip which struck the under side of the bar for 3-0. Riccall’s five man midfield of Wright, Bugg, Ramsey, Bills, and Kozicki were dominating proceedings but Riccall’s fourth however was all down to Shah he blocked an attempted clearance and from all of forty yards spotted the keeper off his line and lobbed him for 4-0. Riccall were now rampant and the fifth arrived when Ramsey and Wright combined to create an opening so that Wright could again chip the keeper for his second and Riccall’s fifth. Riccall completed the rout when a Tom Wright corner was met on the volley by the impressive Hollis bills leaving the keeper with no chance. Shah had the opportunity to complete the perfect hat trick but unselfishly squared to Captain Andy Phillips who somehow put it out for a throw in from 6 yards out.

This week sees both of United’s sides in cup action with the reserves again travelling to Poppleton for the Reserve Cup 1^st Round tie whilst the 1^st Team will be looking to bounce straight back to winning ways when they have to annoying face Stamford Bridge in the preliminary round of the East Riding Intermediate Country Cup to try and earn a place in the first round. Both ties kick off at 2pm.

United’s first team came in to this encounter full of confidence following an excellent start to the season but left it kicking themselves over their performance and the fact that they missed the opportunity to move top of the table. United will be hoping it was simply an off day for them as nothing came off for them against a team they would normally beat.

United never really threatened the Poppleton goal with the Poppleton back four and midfield working tirelessly to keep Riccall at bay. Riccall in truth dominated possession but failed to make this count in the final third where they lacked the quality in their passing and creativity.

They now have the unwelcome interruption of the cup competitions with their next league game a couple of week’s away but Bradley will hope for a good show from his squad over the next couple of games as they look to get back on track.

It took United a short while to settle after which they started to dominate possession and cause the opposition many problems, but United met a very solid Pocklington back line. John Knowles had a perfectly good goal disallowed before Pocklington broke and split the United defence to score from their only chance of the entire game. The goal came against the run of play and was very harsh upon Riccall.

Riccall responded in the best way possible by getting straight back on top of their opponents but they failed to level before the break. Following the half time interval, United up the levels even further with James, Land, Davis and Man of the Match Mick Carmody, providing the perfect platform to build from. Pears and Knowles were everywhere and Law and Northern beginning to press forward with every opportunity.

It was starting to look like on of those for Riccall. United changed to 3-5-2 and began to throw everything at Pocklington and on the hour mark they got their reward when Northern emerged, from a huddle of players, and rifled a beauty of a strike into the bottom corner for 1 a piece. Moments later United had the lead when Captain Jeremy James sent Johnny Barnett clear down the left and he shot across the keeper from the corner of the box for 2-1.

Dean Westwood went close with a half volley on the run that struck the post before Knowles scored his 5^th of the season and United’s third when he reacted the quickest to get to a rebound.

Team:- Hampshire; James; Davis; Land; Carmody; Westwood; Barnett; Northern; Law; Knowles; Pears Subs:- Cronian; Wadsworth; Bugg

The opener was always going to go the way of the confident home side and indeed it did on the 20 minute mark when Dean Westwood provided the perfect cross for Knowles to finish with his left.

United continued to press but had to wait for the all-important second goal. By this point Riccall’s passing and movement was a joy to watch with Barnett and Westwood causing all sorts of problems down the flanks and debutant Tom Law and Northern coming more and more into the game from the centre of the park. Knowles soon made it 2 when the ball arrived at his feet inside the six yard area and he twice sent the defender and keeper the wrong way before slotting home with his right.

The chance of his hat trick came and went with a low drive with the outside of the right foot that fizzed just wide but with half time approaching JK’s new strike partner Wes Pears played a delightful defence splitting ball into the path of Knowles and his strike rebounded back up off the keeper for the easiest of headers and the perfect trick.

By this point United were cruising and only a mistake would let Ouseburn back into the tie. And what a mistake it was! United were under no danger when Trev Robinson played the ball back to keeper Andy Leech, who in true Paul Robinson style missed the ball with his air shot allowing the ball into the net.

The goal seemed to panic United and this only encouraged Ouseburn to press further. Ouseburn’s second came from nothing again when a shot from range was only palmed into his own net by Leech. An uncomfortable ending awaited United.

Stewart Winter should have been awarded a penalty but was somehow judged to have dived when bundled over inside the box and the only other moment of significance in the game was the sending off of Wes Pears for foul and abusive language, Apparently!!!

John Knowles collected The Hare and Hounds Man of the Match. United face tough opposition next Saturday when they entertain title hopefuls Pocklington Town. Kick Off 2pm.

Team:- Leech; James; Davis; Robinson; Carmody; Westwood; Barnett; Northern; Law; Knowles; Pears Subs:- Land; Brown; Winter

The United Management would also like to thank Wigginton Grasshoppers for switching the match to their ground. 

Team:- Hampshire; Davis; Robinson; Minto; Carmody; Westwood; Barnett; James; Winter; Northern; Knowles. Subs:- Pears; Land; Phillips Unused Subs:- Rogers

Sean Bugg scored direct from a corner, Mick Carmody passed a free kick into the corner of the goal and Andy Phillips won the match with a thunderous 2-yard drive!!!

All players are reminded that training is 6:30pm on Wednesday evening this week before the 1^st Team and the Reserves go head to head on Saturday in the Geoff Robson Memorial Trophy.

Due to the cancellation of Saturday's friendly, a training session as been lined up for Saturday morning at 11am. This session being the last chance for players to push for a place in the squad for Wednesday's cup fixture against Wigginton Grasshoppers.

Team (1st Half) - Andy Leech, Jeremy James, Mick Carmody, Martin Land, Craig Lee, Matty Wadsworth, Stewart Winter, Sean Bugg, Johnny Barnett, Andy Cronian, John Knowles   SUBS - Paul Shah, Andy Phillips, Andy Northern, Dean Westwood, Peter Minto

It wasn't the greatest performance but still a good run out for all involved with many players returning this week for the fixtures against Fulford and Selby RSSC.

Players are reminded that training is Tuesday night this week due to the friendly away at Fulford on Thursday. The session will be a very light one!!!

Team (1st Half):- Stewart Winter; Andy Phillips; Darren Davis; Peter Minto; Mick Carmody; Jack Rogers; Johnny Barnett; Tom Law; Sean Bugg; John Knowles; Grant Saker

Thank you to Cawood for making the game happen despite the terrible weather and thanks also to Hambleton for the use of their pitch.