Its a muddy Hell for York as Richmond reach last four

NORTH RIDING SENIOR CUP QUARTER FINAL
RICHMOND TOWN 3 YORK CITY 0
By Ricky Butler at Earls Orchard

Highlights of this match can be viewed here

RICHMOND TOWN reached the semi final of the North Riding Senior Cup on Saturday with this incredible victory over Skybet League Two club York City on a mud-bath of a pitch at Earls Orchard.

A first half goal from Richard Thompson was added to by Ben Darville after the break before Kallum Holbrook sealed an historic victory from the spot, seven minutes from time.

It may not have been a first choice York City side - the first team were playing up at Hartlepool United - but it did contain three full time professionals amongst the U18 Academy lads and should have, on paper on least, been good enough to see off the upstarts from the Wearside League.

But not only was the awful pitch a leveller, York never got to grips with the hunger and desire of the Richmond side and that proved decisive in the end.

Richmond prepare for what was the biggest game in the club's history

"I was delighted with how we played," said Richmond manager Chris Lax. "I just thought our attitude and commitment was exactly what we needed.

"York are not used to playing on a pitch like that but they had class, you could see that. They were very good technically but the conditions did not allow them to play.

"We are quite a tough team, mentally and physically, and the league that they are playing in is more football but this is more physical, especially playing on a pitch like this."

Hear the full Chris Lax interview here

The ground at Richmond has been described as one of the most scenic in the country with the imposing figure of the castle overlooking the action, but the pitch was a far from welcoming sight for the York youngsters.

Having seen the match called off the previous week due to a waterlogged pitch, the last thing Richmond needed was more rain. But despite overnight downpours the ground-staff worked hard to ensure the game went ahead this time.

After a slow start during which Shaquille McDonald and Ollie Smith came close to giving York the lead, Richmond settled and dominated for long periods.

They should have gone in front just after the half-hour mark when Darville capitalised on a defensive mistake but his shot from a tight angle came back off the outside of the right-hand upright. However, the breakthrough did arrive moments later.

Again the York defence was unable to clear their lines and Thompson took full advantage with a fine, first-time finish from 10 yards.

And that proved to be the decisive. As the condition of the pitch deteriorated in the second half, York's talented young side cleared looked as though they wished they were somewhere else and Richmond took full advantage.

There was 51 minutes on the clock when the Dalesmen doubled their lead. Holbrook floated a free kick into the penalty area and Ben Palmer nodded down for Darville to drill past goalkeeper Josh Archer from close range.

Ben Darville (far right) makes it 2-0

It was now just a case of how many Richmond would score. Scott Ryan, impressive down the left, was denied by Archer before Darville came close to a second.

But Richmond did put the gloss on their big day with a third goal, seven minutes from time. Darville was nudged over in the penalty area by Tom Allen and Holbrook coolly slotted home from the spot.

Captain Jason Newall was full of praise for his side. He said: "This is the first time Richmond has ever played a professional side so it was a good occasion. The pitch was a bit of a leveller but we just wanted it more than they did."

Goal-scorer Holbrook was equally delighted. "I've missed a couple of penalties this season so there was a bit of pressure on me," he said. "But the captain gave me some good advice. He said just pick my spot and put my foot through it and I was very pleased when it went in the back of the net."

Kallum Holbrook slots home the third from the penalty spot

Richmond will now be hoping this victory can be the springboard to promotion to the Northern League. But before that is a possible meeting with another Football LEague club, Middlesbrough, in the semi final. The draw takes place next Saturday.

RICHMOND TOWN  - Cunningham, Palmer, Ryan, Newall, Radford, Holbrook, Pattinson, Darville(L), Darville(B), Thompson, Layfield.

YORK CITY - Archer, Green, Outerbridge, Banks, Morley, Allen,  McDonald, Coates, Murray, Chamberlain.

*Pictures courtesy of William James