Kirkby victory puts pressure on defending champions
THE Harrogate Premier League title race has been blown wide open thanks to Kirkby Malzeard's victory over defending champions Thirsk Falcons last weekend.
Chairman John Pickard praised every single player for their part in the 3-0 win, a result that moves Kirkby one point behind leaders Thirsk in the table.
If Phil Ambler's men beat Bramham at home tomorrow (2pm) and other results go their way, they will sit at the top of the division with the club chasing four trophies this campaign.
Pickard knows there is still a long way to go in the title race and believes they have to build on Saturday's excellent performance.
"It's going to be a hard game against Bramham," he said.
"If you look at the table they're just below us; it's still very tight. We've just got to play like we did on Saturday; we were excellent.
"We're on Cloud Eleven at the moment. But there's still a long way to go."
Kirkby Malzeard closed the gap on visitors Falcons thanks to a hard fought victory on a near-perfect footballing surface.
Both sides were missing key players, with Kirkby the worst affected with five regular first teamers unavailable.
But it was Kirkby who took an early lead after a long ball forward saw the Thirsk 'keeper fumble the ball to midfield dynamo Tom Murphy, who coolly lobbed back into an empty net to give his side the lead.
Chances were few and far between at either end as the teams cancelled each other out.
But it was Kirkby who added to their tally when the pacy Tom Leeming deflected Tom Murphy's shot past the helpless Thirsk 'keeper to see Kirkby go in at the break 2-0 to the good.
The next goal was always going to be crucial and it again went to Kirkby as after a corner was swung in, Leeming nodded the ball over the line to make it 3-0.
There was still time for Kirkby to hit a post, Leeming be denied by a fine save from the Thirsk 'keeper and have another cleared off the line.
Thirsk had a couple of chances to claw a goal back but Mark Rimmer in the Kirkby goal pulled off an outstanding save from Les Williams to keep a clean sheet ably backed by the now impenetrable defence of Wayne Cotton, Mark and Martin Foyle and Jason Horne.
Kirkby ran out deserved winners, with Leeming named man of the match.
"It was a fantastic performance by the side," said Pickard.
"Every player played their part, we were outstanding. We were without Kyle Baldwin and Paul Abbott, who was away on work commitments, and Neil Tocher came on as a sub' later on.
"There was a big crowd there too. Pateley Bridge's game was called off and a lot of their lads were there watching; they said afterwards that we deserved it.
"It's opened up the title now."
KIRKBY RESERVES had their game postponed on Saturday. Their third team, however, were beaten 3-1 by Helperby United. Mark Renton scored Kirkby's only goal, with Alex Benson named man-of-the-match.
l Kirkby continue their training sessions at Thirsk High School on Thursday nights from 8-9pm. All new and old players welcome; for more information call John Pickard on 07929312556.
BOSS George Peirse has slammed his underperforming Thirsk side for their lacklustre display at Kirkby Malzeard last Saturday.
He's demanding an immediate reaction tomorrow when they travel to "bogey side," Kirk Deighton in what Peirse believes will be crucial to their championship hopes.
Their second defeat on the bounce after Saturday's 3-0 loss could open the door for Kirkby to move top of the pile if they beat Bramham in another tasty contest in the Premier League.
Peirse, however, is determined not to lose pole position but knows his side must show significant signs of improvement.
"We were missing players against Kirkby. I'd like to use that as an excuse but they were missing players, too, so I can't," said Peirse.
"I'd like to say we've not played for seven weeks but I can't use that either, as Kirkby were in the same boat. Basically all I can say was we didn't deserve it.
"They were up for it and we weren't, it's as simple as that. That was the difference between the two sides and it's something we'll have to work on.
"We've been performing in fits and starts this season but we've never really clicked into gear. I can't put my finger on it.
"But we've got two big weeks now coming up. It's Kirk Deighton this week and then the North Riding the week after. Those two games will make or break our season."
Peirse revealed hot-shot striker Mark Cobb will miss some important games in the coming weeks due to work commitments.
"Cobby has joined the police force," said Peirse. "He's only based at Bedale but he'll have to work some weekends."
"It will be a big blow. I think Mark is one of the best players in the league, he'll miss Saturday but will be back in for the North Riding the week after."
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Weather for Ripon
Saturday 26 May 2012
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