Whaley Bridge exited the Derbyshire Senior Cup at the third round stage having been narrowly edged out by higher league opposition on Saturday.

A spirited second half display saw John Brogden’s men run Holbrook Sports close in what was an intriguing and highly entertaining tie for those in attendance.

After a number of postponements due to the adverse weather in December the host’s pitch was finally deemed playable and the game went ahead with a quarter-final tie against Ilkeston Town the prize for the winners.

As anticipated, the home side began quickly as Whaley, lacking in match action over the festive period, tried to get to grips with their opponents expansive attacking style.

The visitors had goalkeeper James Tattersall to thank for keeping them in the game.  Whaley’s number one pulled off a string of excellent saves to deny Holbrook.  Amongst the saves were two to deny top scorer Isaac Minott when he had looked destined to score.

The deadlock was finally broken when Louis Ratcliffe broke down the left before scuffing his shot past Tattersall to give his side a deserved lead.

Whaley’s response was impressive and Ray Dwolitka was presented with a chance to level the scores when he outpaced the last defender but Holbrook ‘keeper Daniel Graves was equal to it.

The visitors went in at the break a goal down but it could have been a different story had Dan Whelan’s left footed effort found a way past Graves; the ‘keeper saving well from close range.

Brogden’s men began the second half well but found themselves further behind when Stephen Akers finished cleverly inside the box.

Once again Whaley’s response was good and Jack Gregory deserved a goal after a barnstorming run into the box saw him pass three defenders before dragging his shot wide of the upright.

The visitors were rewarded for their efforts when Dwolitka turned sharply before squaring for Joe Burgess who was calmness personified as he rounded the ‘keeper before slotting home.

Holbrook continued to impress going forward and looked like scoring with each attack and but for the dubious finishing of Minott could have restored their two goal cushion but, with the goal at his mercy the striker somehow failed to convert from 6 yeards.

Whaley pressed valiantly for a leveller that would take the tie into extra time and they thought they had it when Colin Moss fired across the face of goal but the ball went agonizingly wide and with it went their hopes of a money-spinning quarter final tie.

Billinge make the long trip to Horwich Park on Saturday as the first team return to league duties.

Team:

Tattersall, Brown, Newton, Moss, Whelan, J Burgess, Gregory, G Burgess, Sutton (Gemmell), Christie (Scorer), Dwolitka

Man of the Match: James Tattersall