NCEL: Historic FA Cup win for Knaresborough Town

Brian Davey’s men came into the match in high spirits after winning both of their opening games in the NCEL Division One but they fell behind in the first half.

Adam Walsh was the first to react in the 21st minute when Matt Cressey’s shot was deflected against the post and left Walsh with the simple task of tapping in from close range.

However, Nick Radcliffe equalised in the 73rd minute with his second goal in a week and four minutes later Tuck scored the decisive goal to set up the first ever FA Cup tie at Manse Lane.

Knaresborough will face either Hebburn Town or West Allotment Celtic on August 30 and Davey says his side were worthy winners against their Premier league opponents.

He said: “It was a very good win. We played the better football and created the better chances even though it took us a while to get going.

“The lads were excited to play a team in the division above and we raised our game so we knew we had a chance.

“After the first half there was only one side in it and it was only a matter of time until we scored. We always looked favourites and I thought we should have had a couple more at the end.

“I told the lads at half time to carry on doing everything you’re doing and we got at them quicker. It was just about getting that first chance.”

Despite the high profile nature of the up-coming cup-tie, Davey is confident that his players have the experience not to get carried away by the gravity of the game.

He said: “The lads are quite level headed and some of them have been here a long time. They’ve been through a lot of important games so nothing will faze them.

“We know we’ve got a good side so it doesn’t matter who we come up against. We’ve got a good reserve side and it’s important in this league that you have a big squad.”

“We are playing good attacking football, demanding the ball and we’ve got a few good matches under our belt.”

Before making their FA Cup home debut, Knaresborough will host Dronfield Town on Saturday who are without a win from their opening two fixtures.

Davey said: “We’ll be getting back on the training field for Saturday’s game trying to improve little things from the weekend. We will keep doing this and taking on board things that are going well.”

Knaresborough Town reserves kicked off their season in the West Yorkshire League at Ripon City last night, after the Post went to print.