Saturday League - Cup and divisions two & three - Whitby promoted to top flight after late winner

Whitby RFC secured promotion to division one at the first attempt, but they made hard work of their 3-2 win at struggling Snainton.
Whitby RFC won promotion with a 3-2 win at Snainton. Picture: Steve LillyWhitby RFC won promotion with a 3-2 win at Snainton. Picture: Steve Lilly
Whitby RFC won promotion with a 3-2 win at Snainton. Picture: Steve Lilly

A controversial own goal from the Snainton keeper, who appeared to be bundled into the back of the net by Dave Welham, handed Whitby the lead before their man of the match Marc Usher headed in for 2-0 as it appeared Steve Mothersdale’s men would cruise to the three points they needed to secure their spot in the top flight.

Snainton rallied though and goals from Nathan Barber and Ryan Collings levelled matters up.

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It was all Snainton in the second half and if anyone looked likely to take the points it was the home side, but the Whibty outfit weren’t to be denied their second successive promotion party.

And in the 88th minute Phil Spencer raced down the flank and cut back for Damon Craig, who rifled a first-time effort through a crowd of bodies and into the back of the net to spark jubilant scenes.

Boss Mothersdale said: “I’m delighted for the lads, it feels brilliant.

“To get back-to-back promotions feels great and I’m chuffed to bits Damon got the goal that sent us up. He’s the longest-serving player at the club, so it’s fitting he grabbed the winner.

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“I believe we’ll hold our own in division one, we’ll need to strengthen a bit but we look forward to testing ourselves.”

Their only rivals for the division two title, Filey Town Reserves, beat Athletico2B 6-2 to stay in the hunt.

Filey led 3-0 and never looked back and despite second-half goals from Shaun Dodson and Sam Swift, Town notched three further goals to take a crucial three points to keep them in the hunt.

Cayton look big favourites to join Whitby in division one next season after they cruised to a 6-0 win against rock-bottom Rosette.

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Doubles from Scott Davison and Curtis Foreman set Cayton on their way, and they were joined on the scoresheet by Luke Newbold and Josh Venner.

Newlands Reserves beat Edgehill Reserves 4-1 to leapfrog their opponents and take a place in the top four.

Goals from Drew McCoubrey, Brad Rowley, Chris Dove and Sam Chambers handed Dougie McGregor and Joe Hakings’ side the three points.

Duchess remain in the promotion hunt after a 1-0 win at home to West Pier Reserves.

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Grizzled veteran continued his superb run in front of goal as he polished off a neat team move to fire the only goal of the game in the 75th minute to hand Duchess the win.

Rich Garton was their star man at the heart of their defence.

Seamer Reserves battled back from 3-1 down to beat Tennyson 7-4 and move into the last four of the Frank White Trophy.

Luka Dros and Adrian Kwiatkowski had got their names on the scoresheet and Tennyson led 3-2 at the break, but Danny Exley fired in a hat-trick and goals from Craig Love, Danny Glendinning, Matty Dawson and sub Chris Costigan handed Gary Dixon’s men the place in the last four.

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Love was Dixon’s man of the match, while the Seamer chief also singled out Exley for praise after his treble.

Scalby Reserves and Eastway Sports took a share of the spoils after an eight-goal thriller in division three.

Goals from Nathan Till, Craig Moss and Jack James put Eastway 3-0 up, but two goals from Tommy Walker ensured Scalby were well in the game at half-time.

Jeff Brader’s men levelled matters up after the interval when George Wilson fired in from Tom Bayes’ corner.

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Eastway hit back though when Eric Hall’s long-range free-kick flew in, before Wilson’s second ensured the sides took a point apiece.

Brandon Catherall stood out for Scalby in midfield.

Sherburn battled back to take a point at home to Westover Wasps Reserves.

Tom McKenzie-Fenwick’s grabbed the only goal of the first half, but Sheburn took control after the break and goals from Harry Walmsley and man of the match Steve Parker put them in front.

Wasps sealed a point when McKenzie Fenwick grabbed his second.

Doubles from Michael Szalabski and Jake Sands handed Cayton Reserves a 4-1 win on the road at struggling Sleights Reserves.

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