Darcy is judge, jury and executioner for Lionesses
The Lionesses picked up a victory last weekend with a first-class performance.
November 8, 2021
Howden AFC 8 Copmanthorpe 0
Howden AFC bounced back with a bang on Saturday afternoon, putting their name in the draw for the next round of the League Junior Cup, by thrashing league rivals Copmanthorpe.
The MinsterMen were in a clinical mood from start to finish and put a marker down of attention that they will be contesting trophies on all fronts this season. Boosted by the returns of captain Rich Hutchinson, Alex Haines and Cam Featherstone to the starting line-up, along with Ash Taylor and Liam Masterman on the bench, a much stronger squad reaped the rewards of a top performance. Howden were ahead early after a Schofield corner was dropped at the near post, allowing marksman Tomlinson to make sure of a fast start. Howden had to contend with a long goal kick from the visitors, as the ball often dropped into Cal Martin’s penalty box. The shotstopper was drawn into a save early holding well, snuffing out any possible rebound.
Howden were strong in possession and moved the ball round well in the final third, with neat interchanging positions and passing as Copmanthorpe stood off the MinsterMen. Dom Ashworth registered his first goal of the season after latching on to Tomlinson’s deflected free-kick, placing into the bottom corner. Dan Coult was able to continue his rich vein of form as the wide man was slipped through on the right. Copmanthorpe’s keeper did manage to get a glove to the strike but it wasn’t enough to prevent the ball hitting the back of the net. Howden were barely tested in the first half and the second half continued in similar fashion. Robbie Tomlinson doubled his tally, making it 12 goals for the season so far in five games.
The striker was then hauled down inside the box but handed the ball to Sam Schofield who tucked the ball home from the spot, despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball. The penalty spurred Howden on further as Schofield was soon in again, this time on a fast break, finishing from a neat angle after a great run from Alex Haines, carrying the ball nearly the full length of the pitch. Now 6-0 up, the MinsterMen continued to heap more misery on the visiting side as Dan Coult was on target again with a neat finish across goal from the right. Will Haines had the ball in the net but was adjudged to have used his hands to gain an advantage when jumping for his headed effort. Tom Parry also nearly had the ball in the back of the net as Petch’s cut back was turned wide. Sam Schofield did pick up the match ball when the forwards curled strike from the edge of the penalty box gave the diving keeper no chance, the pick of the bunch. The striker is four goals shy of 100 first team goals for Howden AFC.
Saturday afternoon’s tie also saw the Under-15s on ball boy duty, enjoying the goal fest. There weren’t too many wayward shots for the youngsters to collect, as Howden were in ruthless form. This Saturday sees a strong reserve side head to Howden, as Huntington Rovers are the round two opponents of the York Junior FA Cup. Man of the Match was given to Robbie Tomlinson as the forward was involved heavily all afternoon.
Howden Under-15s were on ball boy duty on Saturday, pictured here with Captain Hutchinson. (28-10-415 SU)