Taylor-made!

HIGH JUMP . . . Uppermill's Joe Scully is beaten to the ball by Gary Webster, of Hepworth United.

Uppermill 1, Hepworth United 0
IT took a late, late strike from David Taylor to secure Uppermill’s passage through to the semi-finals of the Huddersfield and District FA Challenge Cup against Hepworth United at Greenfield Paper Mill.

With extra-time and penalties looming large, Taylor struck in the 88th minute of an often dour encounter when his cross-cum-shot found its way just inside an upright after deceiving the ’keeper.

Hepworth, who top Division One in the Huddersfield and District League, must be sick of the sight of Uppermill.

Only a week earlier, Uppermill triumphed over Hepworth at the last eight stage of the league’s Barlow Cup. See story below.

And, once again, Uppermill’s pedigree in knock-out competitions shone through to leave manager Simon Tait setting targets for his side in the games which remain.

The first half produced little in the way of goalscoring opportunities, but Tait’s side stepped up a gear in the second period and created four clear chances.

The best of those fell to Jake Jacobs in the 65th minute, the striker looking on in despair as his side-footed effort went wide of the mark from 10 yards out.

But the winner eventually came, albeit in unlikely fashion, to leave Tait and his players relieved.

Uppermill will now meet Storthes Hall in the semi-final at Marsden on Monday (5.30pm).


Barlow Cup hopes are dashed

UPPERMILL crashed out of the Barlow Cup at the quarter-final stage on Tuesday night after losing 5-4 on penalties to Newsome.

Goals from Mark Jackson and Kristian Ventress saw Uppermill lead 2-0, but Newsome scored twice late on to take the tie into extra-time.

With no more goals scored, Newsome edged the shoot-out 3-2 to book their place in the last four.