Carperby beat Leyburn to keep title hopes alive

Carperby ensured they remain in the race for the Scotts for Storage Wensleydale League title with a win over second-place Leyburn on Saturday.

Last year’s winners came out on top in a feisty game at Wensleydale School.

The home side had plenty of possession early on, putting the away team under pressure from throw-ins and corners, with Matty Short making two big saves for the visitors.

Carperby had a few chances of their own, with Sam Lambert’s effort saved and Owen Pratt having his strike saved on the rebound. Michael Dent also had a great effort from the edge of the area well saved.

Leyburn got the chance to go in front when Jim Dent brought down their forward in the box, and the ref pointed to the spot. Will Hewson finished well from the resulting penalty.

Carperby then had the better of the first half and got back level five minutes before the break, when Eidur Pickard-Sparne’s deep corner was headed back across by Sam Lambert and Michael Dent improvised impressively with his back to goal, to flick the ball into the net.

Carperby started the second half the stronger side, with some competitive challenges going in from both sides.

Harry Davis and Sam Lambert looked a threat in behind, and it was Davis who got the away team in front.

After picking the ball up inside his own half, the former Leyburn junior player skipped past three challenges with some audacious pieces of skill, before slotting the ball under the keeper.

Leyburn continued to battle well and they got their reward when a ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and Harry Saunders finished well into the corner.

Carperby kept pushing and with just under ten minutes left, they got the breakthrough when Leyburn’s defence failed to clear the ball through and it fell to Davis.

His shot was saved by Joe Scott in goal, but Sam Lambert was the most alert and slotted home from close range.

Elsewhere, Hawes came home with all three points when they travelled to Reeth thanks to a Thomas Calvert hat-trick and a goal from Daniel Richardson.

Mark Taylor and Ben Schofield netted for the Swaledale team.

The game between Spennithorne and Richmond Town Academy was postponed.

Results

Leyburn 2-3 Carperby

Reeth 2-4 Hawes