Beverley Town went into this Humber Premier League game on the back of a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Chalk Lane, and Manager Dave Walton was looking for a reaction from his team. Striker Jimmy Symes was missing, so the experienced Mark Smith took his place up front, and Steve Irwin was brought into midfield to add an extra physical presence in front of Towns defence.
The game started at a brisk pace and it was Beverley who quickly took control. Midfielders Jon Ricardo and Nathan White were working hard to retain the ball, and a slim lined Mark Smith was looking sharp up front. North Cave struggled to pass the ball, and Towns central defensive pairing of Rich Jagger and Danny Mackevych were on top form, breaking down attacking plays and winning everything in the air.
Towns early dominance lead to a number of corners and long throwings that troubled the North Cave defence, and it was a corner that ultimately gave Town their winning goal. The ball was whipped in beautifully by winger Mark Frampton, and the powerful midfielder Steve Irwin managed to make contact and head the ball goal ward. Striker Mark Smith was in the right place at the right time, and when the ball fell at his feet he fired into the back of the net from 1 yard out.
Town continued to control the game, and made it in at half time with a well deserved one nil lead.
North Cave started the second half much more enthusiastically, and pressured Town with some early attacking moves. Beverley were working hard to stay in the game, and were struggling to create chances of their own as they dealt with a much improved North Cave. However a determined rearguard action prevented cave taking advantage of their pressure, and Town were always dangerous on the break, with the pace of young Eddie Birch a constant thorn in the North Cave defences side.
In a last throw of the dice Cave sent their big centre half up front for the final 10 minutes, and a succession of corners and free kicks put Town under severe pressure. Keeper Ben Thompson saved well from a close range shot, and Towns defence was in total control, which was pleasing after a poor display against Chalk Lane in mid week.
Town held on for a hard fought victory, and manager Dave Walton was particularly pleased with the result and clean sheet, after the disappointment of conceding 5 against Chalk lane “The boys showed real determination to bounce back from a poor midweek display. Defensively we were very solid, the midfield trio once again performed well, and it was great to see Smiggy (Mark Smith) get on the score sheet after his hard work in pre season.”
Town face St Andrews at Bishop Burton on Saturday, 2pm KO.
North Cave 0-1 Beverley Town
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Quite clearly is should state “Smith Scores the Winner” with a wonderful drive from 1 yard out Not “Dopey Irwin scores Winner”