A Christmas cracker, it was not. Nonetheless Ross Juniors advanced to the semi finals of the HFL Senior Cup, on Saturday, over Fownhope in a match punctuated by yellow cards and early Christmas gifts in the form of defensive mistakes. A late Harry Hall goal saw Ross through to the next round, where they will play away at Leominster Town, in February.With the amount of rain last Friday evening it was a minor Christmas miracle that Saturday's match was on at all but, despite looking in reasonable condition before kick off, the pitch soon cut up, which eliminated the possibility of any decent football being played.

Fownhope were the better team in the first 20 minutes and took their chance when it came their way. With Ross playing a high defensive line, Greg Burford's attempt at a long diagonal pass was cut out and Fownhope sprang forward quickly. Sam Lewis broke away and finished well past Carl Roberts to give Fownhope the lead.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.