December saw the Lions go unbeaten for the whole month and included progression to the FA Trophy second round.
It all started with a visit from Chester to Nethermoor, this exciting match finished 3-3 last season but there wasn’t to be six goals in this game. James Alabi gave his side the lead after 28 minutes before Simon Walton equalised from the spot eight minutes after half-time. The match though was to be the last time Rob Atkinson and Danny East would feature until the penultimate game of the season as the two defenders picked up injuries.
Selby Town were the visitors in the West Riding County Cup, a much changed Lions side again progressed on penalties after the tie finished 2-2 after 90 minutes. Joel Logan was fouled in the area and picked himself up to score the resulting penalty. The Robins scored either side of half time, firstly through a Jason Crisp penalty and then a Gary Lumley header. Adam Boyes squared matters just three minutes later. Dan Atkinson saved two penalties as we looked forward to a trip to Farsley Celtic next month.
Attention turned to the FA Trophy as we started on the road to Wembley with a trip to Chorley’s Victory Park. It was our first visit since the day we sealed promotion to our highest ever level and Michael Rankine ensured we left happy again through his 17th minute header.
Another point on the road was picked up at Woking in the last game before Christmas. We had the best chances in the first half with Jordan Preston and Jake Cassidy spurning goal scoring opportunities which saw the match end 0-0.
A Boxing Day visit from Lincoln City followed as the Imps looked to extend their lead at the top of the table. However Will Hatfield put us ahead after 14 minutes but Luke Waterfall levelled the scores just before the half an hour mark. On a blustry day at Nethermoor the match would end with a last minute goal which clipped Adam Boyes on its way in. Michael Rankine was sent off for ourselves whilst Elliot Whitehouse also picked up two yellows and left the field early for the visitors.
This ensured we ended the year with a three month unbeaten run at Nethermoor.
