Ryedale sport
Old Malton triumph in crunch derby
York & District Premier League
Malton & Norton 1, Old Malton St Mary's 4
THE howling wind that blew across the exposed Norton College pitch made sure that this local derby was never going to be a classic. But with both teams desperate for the points for different reasons, the game still had plenty to offer the large crowd that braved the wintry conditions.
The opening 10 minutes came and went as both teams struggled to come to terms with the elements, before a patient build up from the visitors almost gave them the lead.
With Bell breaking through the Malton and Norton backline the odds were stacked in his favour, but his fierce left-footed strike from just outside the area flew over the bar.
The host's response was immediate as they broke down the left to take a shock lead on 11 minutes. Purdy's cross-come-shot got between Cass and Cooke to find Allen unmarked at the back post, his header from a couple of yards out giving Thackray no chance.
Old Malton came back strongly when Cooper danced past two defenders on 13 minutes, but his low goal-bound shot took a deflection for a corner.
It was from Cham's corner on 23 minutes that Old Malton looked to have drawn level when Cooke managed to pick out the only man on the line from six yards out.
The goal line clearance was scrambled away as Old Malton started to turn the screw and they finally drew level on 36 minutes courtesy of a Cham penalty.
A patient build up drew the home defence before Bell pounced to get between a hesitant Hopwood and Purdy.
The chance to clear their lines had gone and as Bell broke away a desperate Hopwood pulled him to the ground to give away a penalty and earn himself a red card. Cham fired high into the top corner giving Stead no chance.
Malton and Norton finished the half well when on 41 minutes Purdy's long throw was flicked on to Dutton by Collins, but his header looped over the bar and on to the top of the net.
Then with a couple of minutes to go a good run by Collins saw him break clear and get his shot away under Thackray, but Cooke made up ground to clear off the line to keep the scores level.
The second half saw a transformed Old Malton take the game by the scruff of the neck as they bombarded the home goal from the off.
Malton and Norton had to defend for their lives as five successive corners on 50 minutes put them under tremendous pressure. They managed to weather the storm only to be undone by the move of the game five minutes later.
Cooke, Scott, Cooper and Cham soon had the ball in their hosts area where Pindar was picked out unmarked at the back post. With all the goal to aim at he fired straight at Stead before pouncing on the rebound to tee up Bell who made no mistake from six yards.
Old Malton were now well on top and following an acrobatic overhead kick from Cham on 61 minutes they put some daylight between themselves and their hosts. Pindar delivered a great corner to the far post where Readman came out on top with a number of defenders around him to head home.
Scaling replaced Cass with 20 minutes to go and two minutes later a wind assisted free kick almost dragged Malton and Norton back into the game. Collins took the ball on his chest only to see his shot tipped over by Thackray.
Towse and Amos replaced Pindar and Cooper as the game entered the last 15 minutes and a deserved fourth on 86 minutes sealed the win for Old Malton.
Scott and Bell broke through a tired looking defence allowing Amos to join in and rifle home from 16 yards.
Old Malton are on their travels again next week with a short trip to Dunnington, where another three points will keep them on the tails of the league leaders.
See the Vale and Dale section for this week's lottery numbers.
12:20pm Thursday 27th March 2008
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