History beckons for Lyons

Hetton Lyons are through to the Semi-Final of The FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup after a narrow 2-1 victory against Salisbury Athletic.

Stuart Gooden’s side remain on course to win the trophy for a third time in the club’s history, something that has never been achieved in the tournament.

Salisbury gave the home side a scare after taking the lead after five minutes. Philip Stafford’s deflected strike left the Lyons goalkeeper, Keith Finch, unable to do anything else but watch the ball fly into the net.

As the appalling north-west conditions showed no signs of easing up, both teams had to work hard to create chances on the boggy surface. Salisbury were unlucky not to double their lead before half-time after hitting the bar from a swift attacking move.

After the break Hetton started to dominate the play, Lewis Dodds orchestrated the Lyons central midfield well, breaking up the Salisbury attacks and starting the majority of their forward play.

The home team managed to level proceedings in the 75th minute via a penalty. Lee Mullin was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area and Lyons striker, Warren Byrne, coolly dispatched the spot-kick down the middle.

Hetton’s winner, which settled the tie, came eight minutes later in spectacular fashion. Steven Capper played the ball inside to Gavin Cogdon who dribbled past two players before unleashing a 20-yard strike that left Salisbury’s goalkeeper, Paul Willis, helpless.

The Lyons now face a trip to either Hazelhurst or Sungate, who were unable to play their Sixth Round game today because of a waterlogged pitch.