St Helens Combination
9:00am Thursday 15th May 2008
ON a pleasant Bank Holiday Monday morning an enthusiastic crowd at Pilkington's Ruskin Leisure Ground enjoyed the St Helens Law-sponsored Hospital Cup Final between Prescot Leisure of the Star Premier Division and Division One Boilermakers.
The game, ably controlled by referee Steve Clarke, was goalless in the first half, but in the second period both sides went close on several occasions. Then with extra time looming the game took a dramatic turn in the 83rd minute when David Edwards, in a goalmouth melee, slammed home the first goal for Leisure.
Thomas Daley quickly added a second then in added time, Brian Furlong took advantage of a demoralised defence to slot home the third for a 3-0 victory that was harsh on a spirited Boilermakers.
At the presentation, made by David Watkins, president of the Liverpool County FA and Bill Roberts, the Combination chairman, Prescot Leisure's Thomas Daley received the man of the match award.
On Tuesday, May 6, two Combination league games took place. A Star Premier Division game resulted in a 2-2 draw with Rainford North End (Ian Roby, Mich Haw) being held at home by East Villa Reserves.
And in Division One, Greenfields (Craig Butcher 2), drew 2-2 at home with Bold Rangers (Philip Mannion, Neil Haggerty).
On Friday, May 9 at Sutton Leisure Centre, Division One clubs Junction and New Street battled out the Tom Worrall Cup Final.
In a dour, defence-dominated game it was ironic that a defensive error led to the first goal with Paul Billinge taking advantage to put Junction ahead on the half-hour. New Street fought back though and equalised bang on half time through Sean McCarthy.
On 48 minutes New Street took the lead when Chris Dearden beat the offside trap to make it 2-1. Junction goalkeeper, Mark Wellens earned the man of the match accolade as several heroic saves kept them in the game until centre-back John McLoughlin equalised in the 83rd minute.
The game went into extra time with many anxious moments in both goalmouths before on 105 minutes Junction's Ian Gibbon put his low shot beyond keeper Colin Knowles into the bottom corner to claim the trophy with a 3-2 triumph.
The game was ably controlled by referee Gerry O'Brien and the trophy was again presented by Dave Watkins, assisted by Bill Roberts.
Two league games took place last Saturday, these being a Division One double header when Rainford NE beat Boilermakers 3-1 then went under 2-5 in the second game, both at Bushey Lane, Rainford.
The final games of the season will take place this Tuesday, May 13.
- CONGRATULATIONS to St Helens referee Chris Foy who will be fourth official for the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday when Cardiff City play Portsmouth