Wetherby Strike First In Derby Battle.

Wetherby’s U18’s maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a good 3-1 win over neighbours Kirk Deighton Rangers at Grange Park on Sunday however; they were made to work for the points in an end to end battle.

Following a good spell of dominance, Wetherby took the lead when Alex Bairstow scored a beautiful 30 yard volley.

Wetherby further increased their lead when Michael Brown latched onto a free-kick and managed to slot home into the corner of the net, despite a good attempt to save it by the Rangers goalkeeper.

The home said pulled themselves back into the game just on the stroke of half-time, when a superbly struck volley left the Wetherby custodian with no chance of saving it.

Following an inspirational team talk by Assistant Manager Gary Etheridge, Wetherby changed their shape to a 3-5-2 formation in order to try and stop Rangers from getting a grip on the game.

Just as in the first half, the game was played on the attack and several chances came and went for both sides.

In the end, it was James Rowley who settled affairs when he fired home Wetherby’s third goal of the game after connecting with a corner.