County Cup finals boost for Itis Itis Rovers and Newlands

Saturday League side Rovers had made their way through to the Saturday Challenge Cup final, and Newlands Park qualified for the Sunday Challenge Cup final, and both could still go ahead despite the league seasons being declared null and void.

Rovers boss Jordan Lee said: “It’s fair for the North Riding finals to take place as soon as they can.

“I think I speak for myself, the lads, and our loyal supporters when I say that it’s given us a bit more positivity to take into the coming months, gives us something to look forward to and to work towards in these tough times.

“Obviously at the start of this season, the idea of retaining the North Riding Cup was just a pipe dream, with the competition being so strong, but we have a massive opportunity now to bring it home again.

“It would also speak volumes for Scarborough football as well, obviously Newlands' Sunday team have got to their final as well, so it would be brilliant for the town to retain both trophies.

“I’d just like to say that it’s very disappointing having to accept the fact that the league campaign is now null and void, but there’s very little that we can do about it.

“Thinking forward and looking into the future, we as a club are now fully aware that we are capable of success.

“Credit to the lads, the league position that we’d found ourselves in prior to the cancelled fixtures is a huge positive to take into the next season whenever that may be.”

Newlands boss Dan Sheader is also hoping his side get their chance to play in the county final.

He said: “All the players and supporters at Newlands are hoping the final gets played.

“We’ve worked so hard all season to get where we are but the thought of not being able to play the final was devastating for the lads, so the news of it possibly being played has given the lads a lift in the bad situation we are all in.

“It would be unbelievable if we could bring the cup back to Scarborough, especially for Newlands as it’s one cup we’ve never won on a Sunday.

“It would be brilliant for Scarborough’s leagues if both North Riding cups are won by our teams, Itis Itis boss Jordan Lee plays for us on Sundays.”

The NRCFA statement said: “The Directors of North Riding FA agreed to support The FA’s strong and clear recommendation that leagues should consider expunging all results for the 2019/20 season.

“Following this guidance, we believe, will allow for consistency across the grassroots game in North Riding. As a Board and staff we will endeavour to provide the utmost support to leagues over the coming weeks and months.

“It is the intention of North Riding FA to conclude the 2019/20 County Cup competitions when football resumes.

“This decision will be revisited on April 30 and if necessary will be continuously reviewed thereafter, in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.”

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