After 2 postponements, holders Whaley booked their place in the quarter finals of the Derbyshire Divisional Cup in an exciting match against opposition currently 3rd in the 'higher' Midlands Regional Alliance League.

Whaley started well and created several chances but Wirksworth were quick on the break and James Tattersall was called on to make a fine one-handed save.  Whaley hit the bar twice but, eventually, took a half time lead as Martin MacDonald calmly volleyed home Bill Sutton’s cross. Wirksworth caused Whaley problems after the break particularly with balls hit long down the left flank allowing their most dangerous forward to get behind Whaley’s defence.  However, James Tattersall was able to make 3 great saves to keep Whaley in front.  Against the run of play, a quick break by Whaley resulted in Rob Newton feeding the ball through to Ray Dwolitka and he slid the ball past the advancing keeper for 2-0.

Whaley tried to close the game down but Wirksworth were threatening from set pieces and they pulled a goal back after Whaley failed to clear a corner from the left.  With less than 10 minutes remaining, Wirksworth drew level and extra time in the gloom looked a certainty with Wirksworth in the ascendancy.

Whaley might have capitulated but they rallied and Martin MacDonald put Ray Dwolitka through and Whaley were back in front.  Wirksworth battled for another equaliser but Ray Dwolitka was on target again with a fearsome drive for his hat-trick - there was even time for him to head a Matt Brown centre against the crossbar.

Whaley players who caught the eye were Chris Wood, James Tattersall, Rob Newton and Martin MacDonald but Ray Dwolitka gets the vote for “man of the match” with his usual match winning hat-trick.

Whaley have a tough task in the next round Dec 19th at Glossop North End Reserves who are undefeated in the NWCFL Reserve Division this season.

Team: Tattersall, Williamson, Wood, P Walker, A Brown, Sutton, Dignan, Kelsall, MacDonald(1), R Newton, Dwolitka*(3).  Sub M Brown