By Sam Gillinder
Horsforth St Margaret’s went through to the second round of the Leeds and District FA Senior Cup beating Rotherwell 2-1 on their home ground King George’s Playing Field.
Horsforth, playing in their yellow and blue first kit, dominated the first half. The first goal coming from a quick move down the left wing, the ball put into the six yard box where Jake Kilbride found plenty of space between the defenders and tapped the ball into the net.
But they conceded an unfortunate equaliser at the end of the first half, the goalkeeper deceived by the last action of the period and they went into the break 1-1.
Rothwell began the second half with slightly more possession than they did in the first half, but they failed to make any impact on the Horsforth defence.
Horsforth pushed for a second goal but couldn’t find the net. Eyob Casa found himself with a chance to score but couldn’t get himself set and the ball was saved by the goalkeeper. Adam Gregory could also have got himself on the scoresheet.
Rothwell clattered the woodwork at one point in the second half but didn’t pose much of a threat.
A switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation by the Horsforth coaches Tom Fisher and Drew McBillan kept them on top in the match.
Playing out from the back they managed to get the winner. A move down the right wing brought dividends when the ball was put into the box and Connor Peate put the ball into the goal.
The minutes ticked down and Horsforth held out for the win.
The match finished with Horsforth beating Rothwell 2-1.
After the match Fisher said they: “Started well, controlled the game, it could have been five or six.”
McBillan added: “We showed resilience, mental strength, all across the park the lads showed character.”
Horsforth’s season is going well. They currently sit fifth in the West Yorkshire Association Football League Division 1 but with games in hand over the teams above them.
They aim to win their division this season with the current players at their disposal.
They are now through to the second round of the Leeds and District FA Senior Cup and start the campaign for the West Yorkshire League Cup next week (27 September)
Adam Gregory leads the top scorer list with six goals.
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