Scarborough and District FA

Junior Cup semi-final

Black Swan, Pickering, 1, Ayton 0

Black Swan, Pickering, reached the final for the first time in their history thanks to a goal from Steve Sailes just after half-time.

In a competitive cup tie which either side could have won, Sailes' header from close range after 52 minutes from a pinpoint cross by Paul Mann secured victory for Swan.

Ayton hit the crossbar after 23 minutes and it needed a great save by Swan keeper David Sturgess to prevent Anthony Jenkinson from giving his side the lead. Rob Kerr had Swan's best chance of the half but his acutely-angled shot went narrowly wide.

After 48 minutes, Paul Mann set up Mark Ainsworth, whose effort was well saved by the Ayton keeper. Five minutes later, Mann himself went close but his shot hit the post.

Black Swan will be hoping to emulate fellow Beckett League side Rosedale, who won the cup last season, when they face Edgehill reserves in the final.

Updated: 11:28 Thursday, March 07, 2002