Traf and Newlands ready for county cup semi-finals

Ben Salt lifts the North Riding County Sunday Challenge Cup in 2013, Trafalgar will look to make the final of the Sunday County Cup at Sportsmans on Sunday

Newland’s Saturday League team travel to Boro Rangers in the last four of the NRCFA Saturday Challenge Cup, while Sunday League leaders Trafalgar are on the road at Sportsmans of Northallerton in the Sunday County Cup.

Newlands beat title-rivals West Pier in the quarter-finals to move into the semi-finals against Teesside League division two promotion hopefuls Rangers.

Traf entered the North Riding’s top cup competition for the first time this season and if they can squeeze past Hambleton League outfit Sportsmans.

One man who knows the importance of both clashes is defender Ricky Nock, who plays for both sides.

Nock said: “They’re both huge games, to get to the semi-finals of the county competitions is always a great effort.

“On a personal level, to have two big games in one weekend is great, I’m really looking forward to them.

“Both games are winnable. Both Boro Rangers and Sportsmans will be tough sides, and they have home advantage too, which can play a huge part in these cups.”

Nock insists both sides are going in full of confidence.

He added: “I’m confident we can both come away with wins, yes, they’ll be tough games but we have some good players.

“Danny Jenkinson, Michael Wilson and Sean Exley will be key for Newlands, and Billy Logan and Lewis Taylor for Traf.

“Fingers crossed we’ll both win. It’d be great for the town.”