1.30pm 9 May 2026
Wensleydale League, Dales Cup Final at Spennithorne and Harmby FC
Richmond Town reserves 1 Unicorn 3 (att 100)
With the Wensleydale League about to be added the ever-growing list of defunct competitions I decided to take in the final of the last of its cup competitions, the Dales Cup.
Hopefully the Dales Cup will continue even without the league. For the last few years some non-Wensleydale League clubs have taken part in it and one of them, North Riding League Richmond Town reserves, made it to this season's final.
They were up against league champions Unicorn, who completed their 18 match league programme unbeaten. Like other remaining Wensleydale League clubs, they are likely join Richmond's reserves in the North Riding League next season.
I expected a close game and that's how it turned out. Unicorn had a great chance for an early lead when they were awarded a penalty, but the spot kick was well saved.
Both teams then had chances, and both goalkeepers made good saves, during a goalless first half.
Unicorn opened the scoring seven minutes into the second period. Richmond Town looked capable of equalising though, and did so thanks to the game's second penalty, with 12 minutes remaining.
But Unicorn weren't to be denied, going back in front with eight minutes left. Richmond pressed forward in search of an equaliser but could only create half chances. And in stoppage time Unicorn broke forward to score a third with the game's last meaningful kick.
Another reason this fixture tempted me was the venue. Ferrand Park is home to Spennithorne and Harmby, who withdrew from the Wensleydale League during the season.
Hopefully the club will return, as it's a lovely ground that shouldn't be allowed to go to waste.
There's a car park behind the goal, which filled up quickly, and spectators can get a good view of the action from steep grass banking that runs from the car park and along one side. There's a pavilion at the top of the bank, and dugouts at pitch side.
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