Yorkshire Comforts

Yorkshire’s three EFL sides were all thrown potential banana skins in the FA Cup first round.

But like a skilful Mario Kart operator, all three managed to artfully swerve round these hazardous objects.

Harrogate Town had the pleasure of kicking off the first round on Friday night, facing Lancashire side Skelmersdale United on BT Sport.

‘Skem’ are in the ninth tier of English football: the North West Counties Premier Division. They were the lowest ranked side left in the FA Cup still, with manager Paul McNally saying the monetary rewards from the cup run (including the TV money) will keep them going for another couple of years.

Despite a brave showing, Skelmersdale would lose 4-1 to a below par Harrogate side, whose sluggish performance was ultimately saved by their greater individual quality.

A first minute goal from Calvin Miller meant that despite the performance, Town never looked in any real danger of throwing away this cup tie.

It was job done for Harrogate as they progressed to the second round and while defeat will always be disappointing, the long term financial benefits from this cup run for Skelmersdale will be the most important take away – especially given the current situation.

Bradford City kicked off at lunchtime on Saturday and after a disappointing start to their League Two season, were seemingly in no mood to let that creep into their cup tie against Tonbridge Angels.

The National League South side welcomed the Bantams to Kent, but were not spared any gratitude from their League Two guests.

Crosses and set pieces did the trick for Harrogate against Skelmersdale, and Bradford joined the party with Anthony O’Connor heading home after six minutes against Tonbridge.

It set the Bantams off on a rampant afternoon, with free kicks and six yard tap-ins hitting the net as the League Two side soared to a 7-0 demolition of Tonbridge.

The result will have been a much needed relief for City after their dreary start to the League Two season. They looked ripe for an upset, especially with the ever narrowing gap between the fourth tier and National League level.

But Bradford were in fine form to avoid any such trouble. Stuart McCall with surely be hoping that the goals and result will provide his side with some confidence to take into their league campaign.

The pressure was then on Doncaster Rovers to progress, but they had no trouble despatching their non-league opponents as well.

Rovers took the trip to FC United of Manchester of the Northern Premier League and flew into a 2-0 lead early on. FC United teased a comeback as they pulled a goal back after 30 minutes, but another quick-fire double from Donny put them 4-1 up at half time to effectively seal the game there and then.

A fifth was added in the 50th minute as Rovers coasted to a stress-free victory to complete a trio of victories for Yorkshire’s EFL sides.

With the likes of Burton Albion, Rochdale, Swindon, Colchester and more tumbling out to non-league opposition, as well as some big scares for other EFL clubs, Yorkshire’s three EFL clubs can be very happy with the professional and comfortable job they did over the weekend to progress to the second round.

 

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