West Riding County Cup
Selby Town 4-2 FC Halifax Town
Liam Flanagan scored a hat-trick for Selby
Liam Flanagan got a hat-trick as Christian Fox’s Selby Town pulled off another scalp to reach the County Cup semi-finals.
Selby players, volunteers, officials and supporters were partying well into the night as the clubhouse was still rammed after 11pm. Fox has clearly inspired the club’s greatest period since the heady days under Bob Lyon.
Although National League side FC Halifax fielded their youth team, nothing should be taken away from Selby as Fox’s men put in a wonderful display.
Halifax were a decent side with skilful players, but Selby’s clinical penetration in the final third was the difference.
Selby enjoyed a dream start as their goalkeeper Paul Hagreen pinged a long ball downfield, which in turn sent Flanagan away and the striker was never going to miss.
Halifax responded pretty quickly with a James Sunderland strike.
Magic man Joe Dale was instrumental for Selby, as usual. Flanagan converted his cross for the second goal.
The excitement was clearly getting to Selby’s PA announcer as he then hilariously apologised to the 261 watching for not announcing the scorer of Halifax’s goal – claiming he had gone to the “toilet” and nobody had told that the visitors had scored when he returned.
Dale was involved again for the third, straight after half-time. His majestic run ended with a pass to Flanagan, who completed his treble.
A Ross Barrows goal briefly brought hope for Halifax, but a Selby penalty awarded within 60 seconds ended their hopes. Flanagan was the player fouled, but it was Charlie Clamp who superbly dispatched the spot kick.