Harrogate Railway beat Town 4 – 2 following a penalty shoot-out

31 July 2011

The John Smiths Cup will be spending the next year at Station View after Harrogate Railway beat Town 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out.

It took only four minutes for Rail to take the lead,Ian McLean’s free kick into the box was well claimed by Chris Elliott, but Referee Chapman noticed an infringement and awarded a penalty.Ex Town favourite Jon Maloney made no mistake from the spot.

After Rail’s Steve Palfrey had gone close with a cross shot, Town began to make an impression.

Steve Turnbull shot narrowly over and debutante Craig Radcliffe miskicked Liam Hardy’s centre with only keeper Craig Parry to beat.

Radcliffe made amends five minutes after the break when his powerful drive was diverted by David Ward into his own net via an upright.

Both teams made several changes on a stiflingly hot afternoon and the game ebbed and flowed with no club gaining the ascendency.

Chris Elliott had to make vital saves from Malony and Liam Shepherd to deny Rail,while at the other end sub keeper Weston Marau made an excellent saved from an header,but could only watch helplessly as Liam Hardy headed over from close range.

With the last action of normal time Colin Hunter broke clear to set up Ed Marau, but Elliott produced a full length save to send the game to penalties.

Rail scored their first four, while Town’s Turnbull shot wide and Robinson’s effort was well saved,to give Rail the Trophy.

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