Scarborough and District FA Junior Cup: Union Rovers 2, Sinnington 1 - In the all-Beckett League clash between the divisional table-toppers, it was second division Rovers who went through to the next round in a thrilling cup tie.

Unbeaten Rovers started brighter. After seven minutes, Peter Tiffney's 20-yard left-foot shot was pushed onto the crossbar by keeper Dan Harland, who again denied him after 25 minutes.

The home side took a deserved lead after 28 minutes when Chris Cooke headed in to finish off a well-worked left-wing move involving Ian Blanchard and Stuart Young, whose cross was perfect.

Rovers continued to hold the upper hand in the second half, but defences were mainly on top in windy conditions.

Union took a two-goal lead after 63 minutes when Peter Tiffney latched onto a throughball and scored with a 15-yard shot after beating two defenders and the onrushing keeper. It was a well-deserved goal for the promising striker.

The Sinners were stung into action, and Stuart Wilkinson hit the crossbar after 65 minutes in what was their first real chance.

They pulled a goal back after 80 minutes when Lee Mitchell supplied a superb throughball to Joe Turnbull, who turned and flicked on for Paul Clapham to score.

A grandstand finish was in prospect, but four minutes later the Sinners were reduced to ten men when Malcolm Hunter was sent off for a professional foul. He was the last defender when he brought Tiffney down and referee Coote had no option but to dismiss him.

With ten minutes of stoppage time added, the Sinners still had a chance. Sinnington played their best football of the game, with Paul Clapham twice going close. One of his efforts was goal-bound until Rovers' Brian Shepherd saved the danger with a diving header.

Man of the match winners were Mark Jeffels (Rovers) and Paul Clapham (Sinnington). Nicky Jackson, Brian Shepherd and Stuart Young all impressed for Rovers, while David Brown, Rob Atkinson and Malcolm Hunter played well for Sinnington.

Special mention goes to Sinners supporter Donald Simpson, who spent much of the second half scrambling over fences and trees to retrieve match balls from nearby gardens. The Union players rewarded him by taking him to the pub after the game.

Updated: 12:28 Wednesday, November 19, 2003