[S]edbergh have won the Craven Cup for the first time in the Club’s history, beating Grassington 3-0 in the Final at Settle.
Grassington beat Rolls FC, Ingleton FC, and Carleton Sports FC in the Semi Finals to reach the Challenge Cup Final, and Sedbergh triumphed over Bradley (0-4), AFC Barnoldswick (1-11), Hellifield Sports FC (1-4) and Waddington FC (2-2, 7-6 on penalties AET) in the Semi Finals to get to Settle.
Sedbergh flew out of the traps and were 1-0 up after only three minutes following a terrific individual effort from Dale Metcalfe who cut in from the right-hand side, took on four defenders and coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. It got even better for Sedbergh 10 minutes later as they went 2-0 up courtesy of a powerful header delivered by Xavier Baines from Aaron Siemaszko’s perfect set-piece delivery. Sedbergh saw out the first-half with minimal fuss with goalkeeper Matt Parkin in solid form – when called upon.
The second half was end-to-end, but it was Sedbergh who, with 60 minutes on the clock, scored the crucial third, and what proved to be final goal. Again, Aaron Siemaszko was the provider, swinging in a great corner and, following a bit of penalty box pinball, the ball fell to Andy Todd who smashed it home from close range. Sedbergh saw the game out and brought the trophy home.
Sedbergh have a second chance of cup glory in the Westmorland League High Sheriff’s Cup Final against Appleby at Kendal Town’s Parkside Road stadium next Thursday, May 11th, with a 19.15 kick off.
