THE York FA Intermediate Minor Cup semi-final produced a classic between York Rovers and Real Cliffe.

The early pressure came from Rovers with Joe Jackson and Reece Snaith in outstanding form and it was no surprise when, after only ten minutes, they took the lead.

A corner from star man Biko Belleh on the left was headed in by Snaith. Rovers missed several opportunities to tie the match up as poor finishing, plus resolute work by the Cliffe defence denied them.

Then with ten minutes left, Cliffe drew level when Andy Armstrong scrambled the ball home following a fumble by Adam Wilson in the York Rovers goal.

Within a minute of the start of extra time, Rovers regained the lead through a shot off the bar from Danny Leaf with Belleh again the provider.

Just before half-time, the ball fell to an unmarked John Atkins 20 yards out who netted an unstoppable shot from 20 yards out for Cliffe to tie again.

There were no further goals and in the penalty shoot-out Wilson in the Rovers' goal redeemed himself with an excellent penalty save for his side to win 5-4.

In the final Rovers will play Heworth, whose opponents New Earswick resigned from the league and cups. The final will be held at York City's Bootham Crescent ground.

In the York FA Junior Minor Cup semi-finals, Selby Town took the lead after 20 minutes of their tie against Poppleton United, when Danny Mustol ran on to a pass to net.

Just before half-time, Poppleton levelled through Glenn Thompson before Poppleton gained the lead midway in the second half when a defensive mix-up let in James Palmer.

With five minutes remaining Thompson out-foxed the Selby defence for his second goal and a 3-1 win.

In the final - also to take place at Bootham Crescent - Poppleton will face Heworth, who were too strong for Copmanthorpe.

Heworth ran out 5-1 winners with Liam Winfield cracking home two outstanding goals to add to a brace from Chris Thompson and a solo effort by Richard Walton. Tom Shaw netted a late reply for Copmanthorpe.

In the York FA Acaster Steel Cup semi-final, Heworth and Pocklington produced an exciting game with Heworth the stronger side, though Pocklington displayed some skilful touches.

It was just before half-time when the deadlock was broken when Tom Folley gave Heworth the lead with a 20-yard lob over the Pocklington 'keeper.

Early in the second half the game swung Pocklington's way when a ball from the defence found Aiden Marshall, who slipped it round the 'keeper to level.

Both sides pushed for a winner and with ten minutes remaining Folley beat the offside trap from 25 yards out to round the 'keeper and put a delighted Heworth into the final.

There, they will meet Thorpe United, who beat Rawcliffe 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out after the rivals were locked at 2-2.

Updated: 10:16 Tuesday, April 08, 2003