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Penalty decides tight contest

3/ 5/2008

THE top two teams in the Newbold Tyres Premier Division clashed last Friday in the Chris Shyne Cup final at Springhill.

Leaders Copper Pot clinched a narrow win over Littleborough to lift the trophy for the third time in as many years.

With both teams at full strength it promised to be a tight contest, and so it proved.

Copper Pot landed the first blow, taking the lead after 15 minutes when Davey Luker’s inch perfect cross was headed home by Michael Barker.

Five minutes later Littleborough were dealt a further blow when Lee Kershaw was forced to leave the field due to an injury.

Their troubles were compounded soon after that when Ben Fielding was forced to go the same way.

Nevertheless, the enforced reshuffle stirred the Littleborough lads and for the next 15 minutes they had Copper Pot on the back foot.

Boro’s reward arrived when the ball fell to Beddard some 30 yard from goal and his rasping drive flew over Rowson into the net.

Copper Pot were back in front by half time thanks to what proved to be the winning goal. Luker was again instrumental. He threaded his way into the penalty box before Wormald’s outstretched foot halted his progress, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Danny McWilliam converted the spot kick to restore Pot’s advantage.

The second half was a credit to both teams, with end-to-end football and chances for both sides, the best falling to Boro’s Williams whose shot was charged down by man of the match John Luker.

Copper Pot clinched victory and are well positioned for a league and cup double, requiring one point from their final two league fixtures, the first of which was scheduled for Thursday evening - against Littleborough!

Pot showed no signs of tiredness on Sunday when they beat Milton 5-1 in the only Premier Division game of the day.

In the Turnstone Developments Second Division, Boundary Park suffered a 3-0 defeat at home to The Star.

FC Bernard enjoyed a 6-1 win away to bottom side Rochdale Nomads, while DC United beat Whitworth Valley 6-3.

Champions elect Royal Exchange earned a late win over Broadway Celtic Reserves in their Richard Martin Financial Services Third Division match.

The closely-fought contest looked to be heading for a goal-less draw until winger Dave Spencer reacted sharpest to a cross into the area and netted the winning goal with only minutes remaining.

Second placed Woolworths edged a 2-1 win at Blue Ball, while third placed Red Lion beat Woodhouse United by the odd goal in seven.

In the F J Williams Shield, North Star proved too strong for Brunswick, winning 3-1.

The Alan Haughton Memorial Trophy match between Broadway Celtic and Littleborough saw Broadway win 4-1.