Northern Counties East League Cup Buxton 1, Pickering Town 2

PICKERING Town progressed into the third round of the Northern Counties East League Cup by virtue of a 2-1 victory at Buxton on Saturday. Their reward is yet another away game in the third round, when they will visit Glasshoughton Welfare, a team they have already beaten twice in the league.

On Saturday, the Pikes kicked downhill in the first half and had most of the play. Chances fell to Phil O'Reilly, Stephen Zoll, Gary Chapman, Gavin Dickinson and Matthew Morton, but none was taken. Buxton relied on the break and Simon Sturdy's timely tackle after 24 minutes prevented Andy Tibenham from scoring. Phil O'Reilly defended well on occasions and Matthew Morton headed off the goal line to prevent Nick Lewis netting.

In time added on for stoppages, Buxton took the lead. A left wing cross by Buxton skipper Danny White was parried by Adam Mitchell to Paul Robinson who scored from close range.

The Pikes came out for the second half in a more determined mood. Within a minute of the restart, Gary Chapman combined well with Stephan Zoll and Chapman's 25-yard shot went just over the bar. Alex Willgrass set up Gavin Dickinson, whose effort was cleared off the goal line after 51 minutes by Richard Bevan. Three minutes later, Gary Chapman combined well with Dean MacAuley, whose effort was deflected for a corner.

The Pikes were on level terms on the hour. A superb through ball by Gavin Dickinson found Gary Chapman who raced clear and scored with a terrific 25-yard left foot shot. Five minutes later, MacAuley almost made it 2-1 when his 20-yard left foot shot was superbly saved by the home keeper Matt Johnson.

The Pikes took the lead after 69 minutes when Alex Willgrass's 40-yard free kick was floated into a crowded penalty area for Phil O'Reilly to out-jump the Buxton defence and score with a superb header. The Pikes were now in total command and good value for their victory. Adam Wash almost made the scoreline greater in the last minute but Johnson saved well.

The Pikes team was: Mitchell, Reid, Cooner, Chapman (Wash 84 mins), O'Reilly, Sturdy, Morton (Greening 58 mins), Willgrass, Zoll, MacAuley, Dickinson. M Willoughby not used.

On Saturday, the Pikes are at home to Denaby United, kick-off 3pm, and on Tuesday next visit Armthorpe Welfare, kick-off 7.45pm. This Saturday also marks the official launch of the Pikes' new book entitled Playing The Game, priced £8, which covers in great detail the past 30 years of the Pikes' history, beginning when they switched from local to semi-pro senior football. The books are on sale in Tony Dunning's butcher's shop, Bridge Street. Many former players, managers, etc have been invited to the game on Saturday.

The Pikes' opponents in the FA Vase on December 8, Stewarts and Lloyds, are from Corby and are currently next to bottom in the Eagle Bitter United Counties League. On Saturday they drew 1-1 at Yaxley, who are currently seventh.

Last Sunday the Pikes' officials met with Unibond League officials to discuss possible promotion at the end of the season and what the ground requirements would be. The Pikes are now awaiting their written report and advice.

The Pikes' fixtures for December are as follows: December 1: Harrogate Railway, away; December 8: Stewards and Lloyds, home, FA Vase; December 11: Goole Town, home; December 15: Sheffield, away; December 22: Alfreton Town, home; December 29: Alfreton Town, away.

Pickering Town reserves 3, Yorkshire Amateurs 1

Pickering Town reserves 5, Glasshoughton 0.

TWO games, eight goals, good performances and the return from injury of several players all bode well for the emerging Pikes side who remain well placed in the league following the recent home games. There was also sweet revenge for an earlier cup dismissal against Yorkshire Amateurs, as the team put on a solid display for the points. Wilson netted twice and Tom Adams once to secure victory.

On Saturday against Glasshoughton, the Pikes queued up to score in a second half that was as action packed as the first half was forgettable. Young John Beech stole the show on the right midfield and a notable contribution was also made by Lee Garnham. It was pleasing too to see the return of Cocker Thornton, Chapman and James Brown following injury. Nicholls, Cressy and Lee Garnham all scored with headers, while Dale and Turner netted with shots. This week the reserves are away at Rossington.

The reserves fixtures for December are: December 1: Pontefract Colls, home; December 8: Ossett Albion, away; December 15: Rossington Main, home; December 22: no game; December 29: Thackley, home.

Updated: 09:42 Thursday, November 22, 2001