The Huntsman travelled to Darlington on Sunday to face Yates in the quarter final of the league cup. Having beaten Yates twice already this season Huntsman were favourites for the clash, but this game was to be a whole lot different from previous encounters due to a completely different team turning up!
The manager made one change from the 4-0 victory over Three Crowns with Michael Sproates replacing Callum Musgrave whose season is over after a shoulder operation. The game started brightly for the Huntsman causing mistakes in the Yates defence. Bates and Sproates both had chances before the deadlock was broken through a trademark Neale strike from the edge of the area which he simply passed into the corner of the net.
Huntsman fans thought the floodgates would soon open but they were to be mistaken as Yates began to grow into the game with some good football. The equalising goal came in the 35 minute when a long throw in wasn’t dealt with leaving the Yates centre forward with a simple header from 2 yards out.
Things got worse when Yates took the lead just before half time from a Huntsman free kick. Bryan Durr curled an effort off the bar but the referee for some reason blew for offside despite there not being a Huntsman player anywhere near the ball.
Yates reacted quickly taking a quick free kick which wasn’t dealt with and the winger advanced one on one with the Huntsman keeper and slotted down the side to make it 2-1 at half time.
The Huntsman manager gave his team some strong words and they reacted in a positive manner and again started the half on top. They got a deserved equaliser in the 55th minute when Jamie Herd raced clear before slotting home off the post.
Huntsman were now favourites for the game but they shot themselves in the foot when they conceded a penalty a minute later which was slotted home despite Dodds getting a hand to it. Yates began taking a physical approach to the game with some tasty tackles flying in and the referee not stamping it out.
They pushed for an equaliser though and were awarded a penalty in the 75 minute which Jamie Herd finished with aplomb after last week penalty miss. The game went end to end from there on but neither side created any clear cut chances.
The game went into extra time with a few bodies tiring and a few injuries beginning to show. Yates came out the traps quickly and got the all important goal from a long throw in which was poked home at the back post. Huntsman threw everything at the Yates defence, but just couldn’t get the goal they deserved. The Yates keeper made fine save from an Anth Cox effort, before Lee Redpath fired over from close range. The ref blew for full time bringing an end to the Huntsman’s league cup dream but the season is still far from over with another three trophies up for grabs.  Dave Neale was awarded man of the match for another great display in the Huntsman midfield.
Next up for the Huntsman they return to Simpasture Park for the first time since December to take on local rivals and title challenger, Aycliffe Sports Club, with the winners taking a massive step towards the title. With injuries and work commitments biting the Huntsman will be looking for a resolute performance to get themselves back on track in the league.