Huntsman made the short journey to Moore Lane to take on the British Legion last weekend in a rearranged League Cup first round game. The manager used the game as an opportunity for his lesser used squad members to get some minutes under their belts with Andrew Richardson coming in for only his second start of the season and he impressed in a man of the match performance. There were also good run outs from the bench for Ross Dixon, Richie Whitworth and Keith Dodds.
The Huntsman cup trend continued as they fell behind to an early goal once again same as in all 3 previous cup games this season. Mike Sproates passed a late fitness test but he dallied on the ball on the half way line allowing the Legion left winger to streak away down the flank before delivering a pin point cross which was headed home from 12 yards. A shock to the Huntsman and they continued to struggle for the next 10 minutes and they almost went two down. Defender Percy diverted another left wing cross goalwards but Dodds in the goal somehow kept it out with his feet despite diving the other way a massive let off and within 30 seconds they were level as the ball was cleared they forced a throw in deep in the Legion half, Andrew Richardson quick thinking found Jamie Herd who squared for Dave Neale who continued his goal scoring run by placing the ball in the corner of the net from 12 yards.
The second goal soon followed when Carl Bates on a trade mark Messi Esq. run slipped in a lovely through ball for Anth Cox racing in from left to right he slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Huntsman were just getting into their stride but they weren’t at their best. The decision making and final ball was lacking and this allowed the score to remain at 2-1 for a long period despite Mike Sproates hitting the bar when it was easier to score. He soon made amends just before the break and added the Huntsman’s 3rd when a weak shot beat the keeper at the near post. The second half was a drab affair with Huntsman in cruise control but still lacking any real quality. They were knocking the ball around well on a difficult surface and could of been 4 up had it not been for the woodwork. Dave Neale crashed the bar before Anth Cox crashed the bar twice in a matter of minutes with similar efforts. Carl Bates did finally add a 4th with his 3rd goal of the season, a tap in from 6 yards after good wing play by Mike Sproates.
The woodwork would deny the Huntsman for the 5th time when Bates saw a pile driver from almost 30 yards rebound back of the post in what would have been a contender for goal of the season.
They managed to see the game out without any real threat of conceding again the Huntsman were happy with the victory but a little disappointed with the performance but they are into the quarter final against Yates in mid January.
Next week they are on the road against Witton Park Rose and Crown in the Darlington Charity Cup in what will be a big test against one of the better sides in County Durham. They will be wanting to put in a respectable performance and hopefully keep the score down to a minimum!!