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Kai's The Chief

Damian Ainsworth3 Nov - 17:16
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Menston Never Miss A Beat As They Go On Goal Rampage At Route One Rovers

As befits the prestigious nature of the competition, the West Riding FA Under 18 County Cup has, throughout its history, been won by some of the giants of world football. Manchester United's famed 'Class of 92’ took the trophy in, erm, 1993, while the storied Barcelona youth academy, La Masia, were winners in 2004. That team, featuring Messi, Pique, and Fabregas, beat Rastrick Junior Rockets at Bolton Woods playing fields, following a disputed late penalty, awarded after Messi fell under a light challenge from Rastrick centre-back Archie Shuttleworth. Ironically, both Messi and Shuttleworth are now plying their trade in Miami; Messi for Inter Miami FC and Shuttleworth as a panhandler on the interstate freeway.
So it was to Bradford for Menston's entry into the competition in the Second Round after an opening-round bye. The opponents were Route One Rovers, a new name in the world of junior football and an unfamiliar opponent for Rangers. However, Route One had dispatched top-flight Huddersfield League opposition in the opening round so there was no room for complacency. Nerves were settled early when Macauley opened the scoring and the marksman made it two, minutes later, setting himself up with a sublime touch. Route One displayed some quality and almost halved the deficit, forcing Texel into a great save with his legs. That was as close as the home side got, Macauley completing his hat-trick, before Hutchinson muscled into the action with a brace just before half-time.
The second half followed in a similar fashion. The home side did enjoy some good spells of possession but Menston proved lethal on the break. Macauley scored his fourth before Holliday-Gomes and Miller joined the party to make it eight. The best was yet to come, as Holliday-Gomes put away a second of rare quality and Hutchinson somehow forced another over the line to cap a great individual performance with a hat-trick.
Based on this performance, plenty of teams will be hoping to avoid Menston Rangers when the draw for the third round is made live on Hits Radio FM on Monday at teatime.
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