TBC

Record YM appearance hold Steve Woodrow grabbed the all important goal as YM's second string made it to the final of the Berks and Bucks Junior cup for the first time in the clubs history. The feat is even more noteworthy given that the competition caters for teams up to Premier division standard, whilst the Rapids currently reside in division 2 of the Reading football league.

Having seen off a host of teams from far and wide including Cookham Dean Res and East Hendred, YM were virtually at full strength for the encounter at Wallingford FC. Boss O Boyle enjoyed the luxury of 3 subs for the first time in 6 games and made 2 changes with the ever dependable Darren Cornell coming in for last weeks MOM Ryan Tipper, and stopper Scott Mortimer in for Jamie Froud.

It became apparent from the off the Wallingford pitch was going to play a big part in proceedings with a serious lack of grass, and the ball bobbling around all over the place. Highmoor were quickest out the traps with Dom Green and Stu Corp feeding the ever lively Ellis Mason and Danny Seward, but YM's rearguard of Chris Leach, Dave Rolfe, Mark Ilsley and Sean Kenny were standing strong not allowing Highmoor an ounce of space. Cornell was playing his usual solid game in the holding midfield role with Sidwell dominating in the air and getting forward at every available opportunity. Mark Mabbett and Luke Kasonde always caused a threat and it was no surprise when the first clear cut chance of the game fell to the latter. The Rapids top scorer raced away from the Highmoor defence but squiremed his shot wide with just the keeper to beat. At the other end Seward headed narrowly wide as both teams struggle to create anything clear cut on a poor surface. Mabbett was next up with the chance YM longed for as he raced through on goal only to suffer the same fate as his strike partner. With YM coming more and more in to the game the breakthrough came on 30 minutes when an inch perfect Leach cross was stabbed home by Woodrow who ghosted in round the back post to put the Rapids on course for the final. Highmoor then enjoyed a couple of long range efforts but these were either off target or failing to trouble Mortimer and YM went in 1-0 to the good.

The second period started at a great pace with Highmoor coming out the traps once more and YM on the back foot but with the pace of Kasonde and strength of Mabbett it was always a finely balanced contest with YM holding on and attacking on the break and Highmoor having relentless possession but finding very little when it mattered. Adam Cayzer, having played 120 mins the previous night, replaced Sidwell who tweaked a hamstring in order to shore up the midfield and make sure YM stood strong. As the game wore on it became apparent that the next goal would be crucial and YM nearly snatched it when Steve Daly and Kasonde combined down the right to put the hitman through on goal but the striker could only find the side netting. At the other end Mortimer was repelling everything thrown at him with Dom Green nearly snatching an equaliser from a free kick that rattled the bar and flew away to safety. The key moment came on 85 minutes when Seward was put clean through on goal but as he bore down the linesman's flag came to YM's rescue and insensed the Highmoor officials. Replays show it was a tight, but correct decision. Mortimer made one more fine save at the near post and the tie was all over.

O Boyle beamed: 'we knew from the off we would have a tough game on our hands today and so it prooved as they are a very good side. We dug in deep and snatched the goal that mattered and could have made it save on a number of occasions but im pleased to make history for this historic club'

YM RAPIDS: MORTIMER, LEACH, ILSLEY, ROLFE, KENNY, CORNELL, SIDWELL, WOODROW, DALY, KASONDE, MABBETT. SUBS: CAYZER (Replaced Sidwell 65), EVANS, M LEMM (Not Used)

BOILERS MOM: SCOTT MORTIMER