Mid-Cheshire Cup Final - Witton Albion 1 Winsford United 0
Fri 4th May 2018 | County Cup Competitions | By Ian Templeman
A first half goal from Witton Albion’s James Foley ended Winsford United’s hopes of picking up the Mid-Cheshire Cup for the first time since 2014.
In a season where Winsford have reached three semi-finals but only one final, their last chance of cup success was dashed by a neat finish from Foley, along with some spurned opportunities and crucial saves from Witton keeper Ryan Nield at the other end.
Although Winsford enjoyed their share of possession in the first half, it was Witton who created the better chances and broke the deadlock six minutes before half time.
James Foley collected Rob Hopley's knock down at the far post, and took a touch to create a yard of space before squeezing in a shot just inside the post, beyond the despairing dive of Winsford keeper Matthew Green.
Green had earlier been called on to make a smart stop from a Paul Williams 25 yarder, and dealt comfortably with a close range effort from Owen Dale.
Michael Taylor had Winsford's best chance of the half with a shot that went wide of the near post in the 24th minute, although Taylor failed to complete the first half as he was taken off injured after a collision with a Witton midfielder.
The Blues started the second half well, and former Witton Albion player Michael Koral found the back of the net, only have the goal ruled out for offside.
Just after the hour Koral again had a chance, testing Witton keeper Neild with a well struck shot, but arguably Winsford’s best effort of the night was their last.
Deep into stoppage time, player manager Lee Duckworth forced an unbelievable save from Nield with a well struck left foot shot that the keeper did well to parry away, and preserve his side’s lead for the remaining few seconds.
Moments later the final whistle blew, and Witton lifted the trophy for the first time since 2009, when two goals from Kieran Lugsden earned them a 2-0 win against Congleton Town in the final.
Mid-Cheshire Cup Final - Witton Albion 1 Winsford United 0
Fri 4th May 2018 | County Cup Competitions
By Ian Templeman
A first half goal from Witton Albion’s James Foley ended Winsford United’s hopes of picking up the Mid-Cheshire Cup for the first time since 2014.
In a season where Winsford have reached three semi-finals but only one final, their last chance of cup success was dashed by a neat finish from Foley, along with some spurned opportunities and crucial saves from Witton keeper Ryan Nield at the other end.
Although Winsford enjoyed their share of possession in the first half, it was Witton who created the better chances and broke the deadlock six minutes before half time.
James Foley collected Rob Hopley's knock down at the far post, and took a touch to create a yard of space before squeezing in a shot just inside the post, beyond the despairing dive of Winsford keeper Matthew Green.
Green had earlier been called on to make a smart stop from a Paul Williams 25 yarder, and dealt comfortably with a close range effort from Owen Dale.
Michael Taylor had Winsford's best chance of the half with a shot that went wide of the near post in the 24th minute, although Taylor failed to complete the first half as he was taken off injured after a collision with a Witton midfielder.
The Blues started the second half well, and former Witton Albion player Michael Koral found the back of the net, only have the goal ruled out for offside.
Just after the hour Koral again had a chance, testing Witton keeper Neild with a well struck shot, but arguably Winsford’s best effort of the night was their last.
Deep into stoppage time, player manager Lee Duckworth forced an unbelievable save from Nield with a well struck left foot shot that the keeper did well to parry away, and preserve his side’s lead for the remaining few seconds.
Moments later the final whistle blew, and Witton lifted the trophy for the first time since 2009, when two goals from Kieran Lugsden earned them a 2-0 win against Congleton Town in the final.
