Football: Werrington lads end 30 years of hurt to finally win a trophy
RILEYS 1 WERRINGTON VILLAGE 2
RILEYS 1 WERRINGTON VILLAGE 2(McCains Cup Final)
THE last time Werrington Village won anything Margaret Thatcher had just been elected Prime Minister.
And while the Iron Lady's time in the corridors of power has long gone, the Village Lads are back with a vengeance after claiming their first piece of silverware in 33 years.
An own goal and a second-half strike from super-sub Danny Bowyer secured the McCains Cup, but the performance of stand-in keeper James Nottingham proved just as decisive.
Nottingham came to his side's rescue on numerous occasions as the underdogs battled the odds, and along with Mark 'Splidge' Allum, was a key man for Village.
Manager Craig Bacon said: "That was a battling performance against a team we have struggled with in the league and while we had to hold on at times, we probably just about deserved it.
"But had it not been for James in goal and man-of-the-match 'Splidge', I am sure Rileys would have won it. Those two stood out for me, although all the lads were excellent.
"And we certainly celebrated the win big time. The club has won nothing for over 30 years and it is the first thing I have won in 10 years as a manager."
Werrington took the lead after 30 minutes of the first half when a Rob Hillson free-kick caused panic in the Rileys area before being deflected past keeper Alex Riddell.
But it took two excellent saves from Nottingham at the feet of Mark Oxenham and Lee D'Arcy to preserve Werrington's advantage to half-time as Riley's stormed back.
Despite chasing the ball for long periods, Werrington were still a threat at the other end and 20 minutes after the break Allum's subtle cross found the head of substitute Bowyer who doubled the lead with an astute finish.
With 20 minutes to go Rileys threw everything they had at a defence well marshalled by Gav White and Colin Loe and with 15 minutes left they finally got some reward for their constant pressure.
A long ball down the middle was met by Tyler Farrimond who kept his cool to lob Nottingham and give his side a life line.
But despite being awarded five consecutive corners, Rileys couldn't make them count and Werrington held on for a memorable win.
Werrington: Jay Nottingham, Gav Vickers, Gav White, Rob Hillson, Chris Bond, Craig Bacon, Mark Allum, Gary Pacey, Mark Ross, Alex Hill, Colin Loe, Danny Bowyer, Dale Brown, Adam Robson, Rodney Watson.
Rileys: Alex Riddell, Kris Taylor, Steve Barry, Mark Brundell, Martin Hall, Mark Barry, Lee D'Arcy, Ali Gordon, Mark Oxenham, Michael Craig, Ashley Jackson, Graham Townsend, Tyler Farrimond, Ian Warren.
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Friday 19 March 2010
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