A FIRST half goal was enough to give New Earswick Reserves a 1-0 win over Huntington Rovers Reserves to take them into the York FA Saturday Junior Cup semi-finals.

Two players, one from each side, were sent off in the second half.

The goal came after 20 minutes. Following a corner from the left by Craig Stimpson an unmarked Arthur Tegetmeyer ghosted in for a powerful header into the top left-hand corner of the goal.

Before half-time, a Chris Dower right-footed volley for Huntington forced New Earswick 'keeper Ian Wiseman into a great save.

In the second half, Huntington came on the stronger of the two sides, but found 'keeper Wiseman in inspired form.

Midway through the half an off-the-ball incident reduced both sides to ten players, with referee David Purdy showing the red card.

Huntington were unlucky not to equalise when first Ian Proctor hit the crossbar from an acute angle and then Chris Smith cleared off the line with his 'keeper beaten, but New Earswick held on for a 1-0 victory and a place in the semi-final.

In the other tie played, Dringhouses Reserves' class showed against a Stillington side that gave plenty of effort.

Dringhouses took the lead after ten minutes when a deflected shot from Lee Atkinson gave the Stillington 'keeper no chance.

Five minutes later, following a corner, Jamie Backhouse powered a header in for 'Houses second.

Lee Atkinson, who had a superb game for Dringhouses, netted their third goal into an empty net with the Stillington 'keeper lying injured on the ground.

By half-time Stillington had pulled a goal back when Andrew Metcalfe chipped the ball over the advancing Dringhouses 'keeper.

In the second half, Atkinson completed his hat-trick and Dringhouses had further goals from Wayne Carter, Nick Brown and an own goal to win 7-1, but Stillington battled to the end.

The two fifth round cup-ties postpomned because of the icy weather, Elvington Harriers v LNER Builders and Hamilton Panthers Reserves v Easingwold Town will be played next Saturday, January 18.

Updated: 10:58 Monday, January 13, 2003