Brilliant Bardsey secure the title
BARDSEY boss Martin Bradley has paid tribute to his players after they clinched the West Yorkshire League Premier Division title with a 3-2 win at Whitkirk Wanderers.
Bradley’s men came from behind to win the match thanks to goals from Robert Dickinson (2) and Mike Toney.
Afterwards, the manager told the Wetherby News his charges had shown real resolve to take the title for the second time in four years.
“I’m really proud of the lads,” he said.
“We have only been beaten three times this season and that shows a lot of character.”
Bardsey went into the game needing a point to become champions, but went behind early on.
Though Robert Dickinson levelled for the visitors and then put them 2-1 ahead, a sloppy defensive display saw them go in at the break on level-pegging.
Given a rousing team talk at the break, Bardsey dominated the second period, Mike Toney grabbing a winner with 15 minutes left.
“In the end it was a fantastic day and night,” Bradley said.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room was brilliant, with everybody singing and dancing, drinking champagne and lager.
“As a manager you are only as good as the players and they have worked so hard this season.
“They’ve really deserved it.”
Bradley said he was reluctant to single out any individuals for praise, as the success was a real team effort.
“Obviously Robert Dickinson’s goals have been a factor, for example, but as a whole team they’ve all done fantastically well,” he said.
“When we have been beaten, we have always come back stronger.
“I’m not over the moon with how we’ve played defensively, but that’s somewhere we can improve.
“There’s not a better side than ours attacking-wise and people come and watch us because of how exciting we are.”
Bardsey have scored 91 goals in their 30 league games, having drawn 3-3 with Knaresborough Town on Wednesday night.
Bradley added that it had been extra special to win the league “with somebody so special” as his friend and co-manager Lee Barraclough.
WETHERBY ATHLETIC end their campaign tomorrow with a visit from Baildon Trinity Athletic (2.30pm) - and manager Eugene Lacy is going all out for revenge.
“The game is a total non-event, but we’ve got to win it,” Lacy said.
“I say that because we went there on the first day of the season and they beat us 3-1. They are a shocking side and their pitch was a disgrace, so we are going into this match as strong as we can.
“There’s something at stake.”
John Cullen is playing in a charity game at Bradford’s Valley Parade and talismanic striker Brian Ross is still recovering from a serious injury, but the rest of the squad should be available.
Lacy saw his team come from behind to win 4-2 at bottom-side Howden Clough on Saturday as they head for a probable third-placed finish in Division One.
“It was a typical end of season game - neither side had anything to play for and neither side looked like they could play anyway,” he said.
“The match was absolutely dire.”
Lacy said his players had responded well to his pre-match team talk, encouraging them to have fun.
Denis Metcalfe scored two for the visitors, though not before missing a penalty, Craig Farrand also grabbing a brace.
“We had put goalkeeper Tom Carlisle on penalty duties for a laugh and I think he would have scored, but Denis went mad because he’s usually the penalty taker, and he took it and missed,” Lacy said.
“Then he made up for it by beating the keeper all ends up with a chip from 25 yards.
“We never looked liked losing, even when we were behind, and by the end it was like a practice match.”
SHERBURN WHITE ROSE scooped the West Yorkshire League Cup last Thursday, beating Beeston St Anthony’s at Wakefield one-nil, after a first-half header from Jamie Middleton. Skipper Alex Booth took the man of the match award.
It’s the first time a side has retained the trophy, and means Sherburn have won their seventh piece of silverware in 12 months.
The Finkle Lane men beat Ossett Common Rovers 2-0 at home on Saturday, and could still clinch second spot in the Premier Division ahead of Knaresborough Town.
They host Field Sports & Social tomorrow (2.30pm), before Ripon City’s visit on Wednesday (6.30pm).
rick.burin@ypn.co.uk
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Weather for Wetherby
Friday 10 February 2012
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