Thirsk Falcons Under-12s were at home again last Sunday hosting a league cup match against Richmond.

This match was football at its best it was a hard and physical game the tension was incredible. Richmond were first to attack but their first three shots were cleared by Thirsk's defence, but still they attacked and Matty Davison made a great tackle to deny Richmond a shot at goal.

Richmond tried again and fired a shot at Thirsks goal but Thirsks keeper Sam Robinson saved it but not cleanly and Richmond swooped onto the dropped ball to take the lead. It was all end to end action. Richmond again made Thirsk's keeper work then Thirsk attacked and David Mosley saw the keeper off his line and lobbed the ball which had Richmond's keeper back-peddling. Thirsk attacked again with David Mosley down the right hand side drawing the keeper off his line and his low shot into the net to brought the scores level.

The second half saw Thirsk having first shot at goal but Liam Cook fired it at the keeper then Thirsk's keeper made a fine save. Thirsk were awarded a penalty but were unable to convert before Richmond countered and this time Joe Saunders made a vital tackle to keep Richmond out.

Richmond then hit the crossbar after a scramble in the penalty area to leave the score 1-1 at full time.

In the first period of extra time Thirsk were given a free kick which Joe Barwick took but it rocketed off the crossbar. Second period saw Richmond attacking but two good saves by Thirsk's keeper sent the game into a shoot-out.

First up for Thirsk was Liam Cook but he shot wide and Richmond scored. Second up is Joe Hudson but Richmond's keeper pushed his effort wide before Richmond score to make it 2-0.

Next up was David Mosley and again Richmond's keeper saves to mount pressure on Thirsk's keeper who pulled off a great save to ensure they score in penalties stayed at 2-0.

Joe Saunders was fourth and he scored and again Thirsk's keeper made a fine save so that it's now 2-1.

It went down to the last penalty takers and the tension was unbearable as Joe Barwick stepped up for Thirsk - he placed the ball and scored meaning it was now all down to Richmond.

The Thirsk team held our breaths, hoping to see their goalkeeper save again to take it to sudden death but Richmond scored their last penalty to win the shoot-out 3-2.

A fantastic match that showed grassroots football at its finest and a great game for Matty Davison, Martyn Nelson, Sam Robinson and man of the match Joe Barwick