TWO James Flower
headed goals enabled Halifax Irish to claim the prize scalp
of Bay Athletic and reach the quarter finals.
Midfielder Flower came up trumps from set pieces as the
Irish hit back to overturn a 1-0 interval deficit and win
2-1 against their West Riding CA Premier rivals, who head
the table.
Boss Stuart Waddington said: "It was an awesome performance.
The tie lived up to all expectations and I am really proud
of the way the lads played.
We had our strongest squad of the season and if we can keep
the same 15 or 16 players and stay free of injury and suspension
there is no reason why we can't go all the way."
The quarter final draw is expected to take place tomorrow
and Waddington said: "We would probably like to avoid
Meltham Athletic who are second in our league, but we fear
nobody."
The highlight of a tight first half for the visitors was
a penalty save from Danny Taylor after Kitson Gayle appeared
to have slipped rather than been fouled by returning Irish
skipper Andy Farrar
Irish were disappointed not to get a spot kick of their
own when claims for handball were waved away but the visitors
were playing some attractive football and Bay were forced
to offend in an effort to stop them.
The home side took the lead 10 minutes before the interval
when they broke quickly following a corner and Ryan Buckley's
first time cross was met by Paul Pike, who got above Brian
Matthews at the back post to head home.
A Shaun Gibbons 25-yarder forced the home keeper into an
excellent save after the break but Irish equalised on 55
minutes when Flower powered home Farrar's free kick from
the left.
Irish pressed for a winner and it came when Matthews delivered
a corner and ex-Wibsey man Flower repeated his earlier heroics.
Irish might have had a late third when Wayne Crossley was
sent clear by Rob Malone and rounded the keeper but hit
the post from a tight angle.
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