UNION Rovers upset the odds to lift the newitts.com Beckett League's Victory Cup on Saturday evening after a penalty shout-out victory over Sinnington.

The final, a very entertaining affair played at Kirkbymoorside, ended 1-1, with the Sinners left to rue a host of first-half chances as Union equalised after the break and won the shoot-out 4-3.

Sinnington, runners-up to Kirkbymoorside reserves in the first division, almost took the lead after 13 minutes when Toby Edwards, after a good left-wing run, hit the bar from 20 yards.

They were ahead two minutes later, though. Dave Wilkinson slipped the ball through to Luke Clemmit, who ran on and scored with a well-struck 18-yard shot.

The Sinners dominated the remainder of the first half.

Edwards and Clemmit had good efforts saved by Union keeper John Towse in quick succession, while a right-wing corner by Edwards was cleared off the goal-line by Luke Dawson with Towse beaten.

After 38 minutes, Wilkinson was clean through on goal but put his shot wide from 18 yards.

In the last minute of the half, Wayne Moon set up Wilkinson but he shot straight at Towse.

Union Rovers, thankful to be only one goal down at the break, played much better in the second half, and equalised on the hour mark when Paul Holder set up Dawson to score with a close-range volley.

Union then had a good 20-minute spell but failed to draw dividend. Four minutes from time, Edwards had a great effort for the Sinners but Towse saved well to send the game to penalties.

The shoot-out began terribly for the Sinners as Gary Mitchell’s weak effort was saved by Towse.

Wilkinson, Graham Bateman and Jon Mitchell were successful, but, with Union having a 100 per cent record, Toby Edwards needed to score their last spot-kick but he put his effort wide.

For Union, Nicky Drew, Paul Holder, Ben Webster and Dan Simpson all scored.

The Victory Cup and individual awards were presented by Rob Pettitt, the league’s president.

Fall guy Edwards was still Sinnington's man of the match, with Adam Stephens and Mitchell also impressive.

Midfielder Drew was Union's top performer.

Prior to the presentation, the league’s vice-chairman Jimmy Blacklock presented Sinnington with their first division runners-up awards, and Kirkbymoorside reserves with the championship trophy.

Meanwhile, Ryedale Sports Club reserves and Easingwold Town 3rds enjoyed shock away victories in the Marisa Trophy semi-finals.

Ryedale won 2-1 at Heslerton thanks to Matty Gardner's first-half brace. Former Ryedale player Robbie Preston pulled a goal back five minutes from time for Heslerton, for whom midfielder Simon Oxendale was the man of the match. Gardner was Ryedale's star man.

Second division champions Wombleton were chasing a trophy double but blew their chance of a last-four spot as they threw away a 4-2 lead over fellow division two side Easingwold 3rds, who went on to win a penalty shoot-out 5-4.

Tom Ellis put Wombleton ahead in the first half but goals by Tom Horner and John Dey either side of half-time put Town 2-1 up.

A blistering 20-minute spell saw Wombleton take a 4-2 lead with man-of-the-match Ellis completing a hat-trick and Luke McLaren also netting but they then took off the in-form Luke Tateson and Jake Dennison and Easingwold couldn’t believe their luck - scoring through Dey and an own goal to force the shoot-out.

Easingwold's successful penalty takers were Gary Raper, Tony Raper, Steve Johnson, star man Shaun Robinson and Darren Cooper.

For Wombleton, Josh Tateson, McLaren, Michael Turnbull and Paul Grayson scored.

The final will be played at Thornton-le-Dale on Wednesday, May 7, kick off 6.30pm.

In division two league games played in midweek, Easingwold Town 3rds and Union Rovers 2nds shared the points from a goalless draw, in which Town's Richard Brian and Rovers keeper David McBurnie were the men of the match.

Wombleton beat Slingsby 5-0 with goals by man-of-the-match McLaren (3), Karl Richardson and Sam Taylor. Steve Hodgson stood out for Slingsby.

Gillamoor will hold a charity football match in memory of former player Steven Wilson on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, kick off 1pm, with all proceeds going to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Anyone wishing to play, especially former players of Gillamoor or Farndale, are asked to phone the game organiser Jimmy Blacklock on 01751 433394.