Craven Challenge Cup Final Result
May 16, 2009
Craven Football Association
Bluefin Insurance Services Craven Challenge Cup Final
Colne Utd 2 Rimington 4
The sterling efforts of the Barnoldswick Town FC groundstaff ensured that the all East Lancs Craven Cup Final went ahead after a day of constant rain had left the West Close ground waterlogged in places. Groundsman Ces Naylor and his assistants Peter Naylor, John Beswick and Alverley Ashworth deserve the highest credit for preparing a near perfect pitch for the game that went ahead after a 5-30pm inspection by referee Charles Veighey. The rain ceased two and half hours before kick- off which did help the groundstaff and the two teams were presented to Bluefin Associate Director David Townson prior to kick off.
The wet conditions help the game as a spectacle as both sides were playing a fast open game as the ball skidded on the wet surface. As expected Rimington who had retain the East Lancs Division One championship for a second year, took the game to Colne and were looking the more dangerous side and it was no surprise that Chris Heslop put them ahead from close range, the stocky winger had impressed in the early stages with some good left wing play, however Colne battled back and their neat approach work impressed the disappointingly small crowd. At 1-0 at half time the game was still in the balance and as the second half commenced the heavy rain returned which had the spectators thankful for the covered accommodation, after 55 minutes Mark Barnes levelled the scores and for a period Rimington were on the back foot but on 65 minutes from a right wing corner Robert Lloyd rose to head home with a powerful header and his co=striker Jon Penman, who between them have netted over 40 goals this season, struck with a cross shot which put Rimington back in the driving seat. A penalty awarded to Colne with five minutes left was converted by veteran centre back John Bailey but any ideas of a further come back were erased when substitute Danny Green scored Rimington’s fourth goal to seal a win and his club retaining the Craven Cup for a second year. The game was played in an excellent spirit by both sides and produced one of the better finals of recent times.Thankfully the rain abated when the presentations were made by Bluefin Associate Director David Townson to match officials Charles Veighey and his Assistants Alan Robinson, David Helliwell and fourth official Ian Walsh and the two teams. For his industrious work in mid field Rimington’s Oli McClean was voted the Ronnie Jones Man of the Match.
Stephen Greenwood Memorial Trophy Final Result
May 13, 2009
Stephen Greenwood Memorial Trophy Final Result
Bronte Wanderers 1 Silsden 1(AET)
Silsden then won 4-2 on penalties
Since the competition’s inception in 1991 the final tie went to extra time and penalties. A close game , the early stages were dominated by the bigger Silsden side but Bronte stuck to their task admirably and a very good game with plenty of skill on display kept the crowd entertained throughout. Silsden took the lead ten minutes into the second half however Bronte were soon on level terms and both sides had chance to have won the game before extra time and penalties. The match officials were Toby Smith of Gisburn and Assistants Tony Bickley (Threshfield) and Thomas Davey (Skipton) who formed a very competent team.
Morrison Cup Final Result
May 9, 2009
Morrison Cup Final Result Friday 8 May 2009
Ingleton FC 1 Embsay FC 0
Goalscorer – Phil Eccleston
Man of the Match – Ian Kellet
A very good crowd witnessed a single goal victory for North Lancs League side Ingleton much to the delight of their large band of followers.
A strong wind blowing down field at Skipton Town last Friday evening made ball control difficult in the early stages ; however it was Ingleton playing into the teeth of the wind that snatched a early goal that proved to be the winner. From a inswinging corner Philip Eccleston’s glancing header beat every one in a crowded goal mouth.
Embsay who had finished a disappointing mid table position in Craven League Division One took time to settle after this early set back as Ingleton with the confidence of the goal played a good passing game having the majority of the possession but found the Embsay keeper Nick Williamson in good form, handling well throughout the game. Wally Robertson who along with Stephen Speak had played in a Embsay cup side in 1992 almost brought a equaliser with a 30 yard free kick which brought a excellent save from another veteran of Craven Association finals, Ingleton keeper Ian Kellett.
With wind advantage in the second half it was expected that Ingleton would dominate the game but to their credit Embsay also displayed a better passing game as can be the case against a strong wind and Kellett had to be at his best to deny Embsay a goal when he produced three saves to thwart the ever dangerous Greenwood twice and Capstick deservedly picking up the Man of the Match award.
The final was played in a very good spirit with referee Willie Naylor stamping his own style on the game issuing a yellow card for a misdemeanour when the Ingleton support was baying for a straight red against Embsay defender Duncan Ward for a late tackle. Both teams were presented to Mr Peter Marsden President of West Riding County Football Association and a loyal servant to Craven football over many years, who also presented the cup and individual trophies.
NORMAN PRATT TROPHY FINAL RESULT
May 4, 2009
Norman Pratt Trophy Final Result
Barnoldswick Town FC Thirds 4 Sedbergh Wanderers FC Reserves
Pre match rain made for a pitch suitable for fast football as the ball skidded over the wet surface, as kick off approached the cloud that hung over Castlebergh gave way to a lovely sunny spring evening that made viewing difficult for the Match Official and spectators on the riverside of the field.
The first half proved an even one for both sides regarding the score line; however the Westmoreland defence strove manfully to contain the East Lancs side.
There was an early scare for Barnoldswick when keeper Jamie Harrison had to be alert to deal with a difficult bouncing ball at the expense of a corner. Town had a chance on 16 minutes when a penalty was awarded and the reliable Dan Oldfield saw his spot kick well saved by the Sedbergh keeper who made several good first half saves to keep the scores level. Town had to make an enforced change when Jimmy McConville came off with a head injury following a clash of heads and was replaced by Morgan Brown who gave a good display prompting many of his side’s second half moves.
Barnoldswick took the lead on 51 minutes when Mathew Blackwell headed home following a corner; however Skipper Ben Thurston then cleared a Sedbergh attack off the line to prevent a certain goal and from this point Town played some excellent football with Sedbergh having to play their lines constantly under pressure, it was no surprise when Dan Oldfield scored with a powerful shot giving the keeper no chance. The third goal followed after Brown created an opening for Ian Livesey to score with a delightful shot and Blackwell with his second goal completed a fully deserve win for Town. Mathew Blackwell was awarded the Man of the Match for his 2 goals and his leadership qualities of the attack.
Credit to Sedbergh who continued to battle throughout in a very sporting manner in a game controlled by match Referee Thomas Davey.
The Norman Pratt Trophy which is sponsored by Skipton Building Society was presented by Lee Metcalfe, a former North Craven man who is now a Football League Assistant Referee and Blue Square Premier Referee. Lee commenced his refereeing in the Craven Junior League before progressing through the pyramid system to his present position.
