Last updated at 13:53, Thursday, 17 May 2012

A GOOD crowd turned out for the Divisional Cup Final between division 1 Chapions Windscale and Wigton Athletic held at Whitehaven AFC.

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The first half was dominated by Windscale but for all their possession they entered the interval leading 1-0 courtesy of a 2nd minute goal from their goalkeeper James Dolan. A big punt down field out of his hands bounced on the edge of the Wigton Athletic area and bounced over Andrew Routledge in the Wigton goal, who had misjudged the bounce and was stranded on the penalty spot.

This started a wave of Windscale attacks, who could have had more goals in the opening minutes but for poor finishing and good saves by the Wigton Athletic goalkeeper. It took until the 29th minute for Wigton Athletic to have a shot on the Windscale goal with a long range effort from Dale Wilson going well wide. Wigton Athletic again failed to test the goalkeeper in the 30th minute when a free kick from 35 yards from Richard O’Keefe was again well wide.

Frustration was starting to show as in the 39th minute Mike Rumney was booked for a late tackle. With half time approaching Windscale’s Sean Pollen played Michael Farrer clear whose poor shot was easily saved by the Wigton A goalkeeper.

At half time Windscale returned to the dressing room but Wigton Athletic stayed on the pitch and sat in a circle on the half way line. Very much like seen in the premier league with Hull City a few seasons ago – the manager trying to inspire a much improved second half performance.

The second half began with an improved performance from Wigton A but again for the possession they did have, they were failing to get any shots on target. It was Windscale who were the more threatening side making good use of the ball but failing to make their chances pay, leaving Wigton A still in with a chance.

The game was brought to life in the 13th minute when a vocal exchange between the two dugouts made sure the 4th official kept on his toes. In the 67th minute a foul tackle from behind by Wigton A number 12 resulted in a free kick to Windscale and a stern word from the referee. The player could probably find himself very fortunate as he was already on a caution. It was in the 71st minute that Windscale killed the game off; good work by Sean Pollen down the wing, who put in a good cross, which was converted by Lawrie Black. 2-0 to Windscale with no way back for Wigton A.

In the 90th minute Matthew Rudd of Wigton A burst into the penalty area only to be denied by a fantastic last ditch tackle by Windscale’s Ryan Fitzwilliam. There were big shouts for a penalty but the referee was well placed to see the perfectly timed tackle. In the whole game Wigton A had failed to get a single shot on target. It is the first time in the league that a goalkeeper has scored in a cup final – well done James Dolan.

MOM, chosen by the sponsors, went to Lawrie Black.

First published at 11:13, Thursday, 17 May 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk