GILGRYST CUP semi-final STAND ATHLETIC 2 EAST MANCHESTER 1 (after extra time)

A NEIL DAWES goal in the 119th minute, ensured a May 7th Bank Holiday Monday clash with League rivals Wythenshawe Amateurs in the Manchester League's top cup competition.

Stand overcame a well-organised East Manchester side at Ewood Bridge last Saturday. The Gorton-based visitors are also Stand's main challengers for the Premier Division title, so a little physcological blow may have been landed as well.

Both sides have yet to meet, but any thoughts of championships were put on hold for this one.

Stand had to reshuffle due to injuries and cup-tied players, but they started brightly and much the better of the possession.

Easts defended deeply and relied on the counter attack, but the breakthrough came on 20 minutes when Micky Bartholomew flicked on a throw-in in the visitors half.

Steve Stott made a superb run from deep, and his first two touches took him past the static Easts defence into the penalty box. His angled, low drive zipped past the keeper for a marvellous goal from a player who led his side well all afternoon. Martin Stewart made the most of an opportunity to put his side level, then Stand rode their luck, but defended well to keep out the Manchester side.

Extra time loomed and was played and though Stand dominated it looked the tie might go to a penalty shoot-out when, with a minute left, Steve Brown chased down a hopeful long ball.

It became a 50-50 with goalkeeper Grant Luke. They both collided, but it broke kindly for Dawes who followed up to score, as, with one touch, he passed the ball into the empty net to put Stand into their first-ever Gilgryst Cup final.

STAND ATHLETIC: Gibbons, Channon, Gallagher, Davis, Telfer (K Brown), Dawes, Stott, Leonard, Westhead (S Brown), Bartholomew, Denham. Substitutes not used: Mayo, Kavanagh.

There was no reserve team game again last week, but tomorrow it's back to league action for Stand when they visit Failsworth Town.

Damian Rooney is out with a chipped bone in his hand, following a car accident on his way to last Saturday's game. Stuart Telfer is also very doubtful with a shoulder injury sustained in Saturday's cup win.

Chris Denham who was cup-tied, is available again and Karl Brown looks likely to regain his midfield position.

Stand are still looking for a physiotherapist/first aider and any other match-day helpers. Contact N. Wood 0161-766 7652.