Stanningley Reds 5 Menston Rangers U-9s 1

Menston travelled to a resurgent Stanningley on Sunday morning and found themselves on the receiving end of a heavy defeat. Having remained unbeaten for the whole of the season, manager Ridyard had to shuffle the pack having received late calls from Oliver Wilson and Sam Chapman, who were both ill.

The game started at a brisk pace and Stanningley, playing with the wind behind them, flew into action and stung the hands of ’keeper Jacob Ridyard on numerous occasions. Their relentless pressure soon saw them take the lead when a corner was not cleared and the Stanningley midfielder gleefully shot through the crowd to give them a deserved lead.

Menston chances during the first half were rare, as the home defence coped admirably with the pace of Josh Collins and the physical presence of Jake Holberry.

In the second half Jake Field was pushed back into defence to deputise for the injured Luke Guzder and James Greenbank. Jack Paxton took the midfield by the scruff of the neck and, for a spell of five minutes, bombarded the Stanningley ’keeper. Holberry’s persistence when under heavy pressure saw him net an equaliser when his header looped over a stricken ’keeper after a long throw-in from Matt Chapman.

Menston’s delight was soon soured when Stanningley started to stroke the ball around with confidence, which saw them net an instantaneous equaliser. Chasing a win, players were thrust forward at the expense of the defence and it was no surprise when Menston were hit with three goals in quick succession, despite brave tackling from Joe Yound and Paxton.

No-one would dispute that Stanningley deserved this victory in their last game of the season, but the man-of-the-match award went to James Greenbank for his never-say-die attitude.

Menston now have their destiny in their own hands with their only challengers, Shipley and Stanningley, with no games remaining. If any silverware is to arrive in Menston this season, five points from a possible 12 are imperative in the run up to the end of April.

Hopefully a win against Sandy Lane on Sunday should set the wheels in motion for a concerted push for the title.