Cup final fever

Date: 25-05-2009

Match Report - Finals Day

Two weeks ago, Castletown won each of their respective finals to take home four trophies. Two weeks on, and playing in only two finals, Castletown's 100% record was kept alive. Castletown Whites defeated Hesket in the W. Jameson Under 12 Cup Final, whilst Castletown Whites overcame Keswick in the Under 14 League Cup Final. The Under 16 Ted Nanson Trophy went into the hands of Alston, who through Nathan Frazer, fought to a 3-1 win against Kingstown.

 The opening 10 minutes to the W Jameson Cup Final began with an alarmingly fast tempo, whilst players from both teams were given little breathing space. It was the Whites who scored the opener, as Sam Pryke wriggled his was through a cloud of defenders to slot under Tom Lancaster's body. Hesket, rather than collapsing, were united through their captain Jack Holden, but despite their best efforts, couldn't find a way past Hamilton, McGleenan and Swainson.

The man who scored 6 goals in his previous final appearance, scored again before half-time for Castletown, taking the game to a comfortable 2-0. Callum Evens received the ball inside the box and with his ability, took a touch and drilled into the bottom corner with confidence.

Castletown showed off a good team performance throughout the second half, but Hesket's Lochlan Murtagh posed a threat with his pace on a couple of occasions. However, his well-worked crosses were constantly cleared by Castletown.

Late on in the game, Jack Lakes and Callum Evens were prevented by the arms of Tom Lancaster, who had an outstanding game in goal for Hesket. Congratulation to Castletown Whites for completing the treble; the league, the W.Jameson Cup and the Joe Fisher Cup.

As the Under 12's did, Castletown Whites Under 14's completed their treble to by beating Keswick in the League Cup Final.

George Burne, the Castletown Whites Under 14's Captain, with Jade Cooper from AstSigns Ltd.

Chris Rowley should have scored after only 20 seconds for Keswick, and his tame effort looked like it was going to ebe punished when George Burne was put through on goal, however he to uncharacteristiaclly blazed over the bar.

Keswick took the lead when Sam Clark's free-kick was knocked in by Josh Dowson. Their lead lasted only a matter of minutes though, as Donald Burrows deflected free-kick wrong footed Keswick's keeper Grant Thompson to crawl over the line. Burne then wasted another chance, before Thompson's clearance hit Matthew Bradley to send the ball goalwards, with the outside of the post saving Thompson from blushes.Kieran Gregory for Keswick should have given his side the lead going into half-time, but his half-volley flew over the bar.

The second-half brought about a torrential downpour of hail, which quickly transformed the pitch into a slippery mudbath. The long-balls were becoming deadly to deal with, which proved evident when Castletown's Luke Fraser was sent through on goal from a 'hoof', only for him to drag his shot wide.

Yet another 1-on-1 went to waste for the Whites, with substitute Alistair Craig hitting straight at Thompson. Eventually, Castletown found the back of the net. Burrows' cross missed both Burne and Craig, but Fraser was unmarked at the back-post to tap in. Soon after, Burne knicked a loose ball in the box, before lifting over the sprawling Thompson. Keswick deserved more from the game, but Castletown's defence proved to be the deciding factor.

The highly sought after Ted Nanson Trophy proved to be a very physicaly, yet sporting affair. Nathan Frazer for Alston hit the post after only two minutes and quickly after, Craig Ridley powered a header over from an Alston corner. Midway through the first-half and Alston got the ball in the back of the net through Frazer's head. However, he was deemed offside, cutting short the Alston celebrations.

The next set-piece was converted legally though, as Frazer climbed above everyone else to convert a Rose Thompson free-kick. The first-half proved to be poor in terms of chances made with very little creativity. On the other hand, the second-half got off to a flyer. Jason Bainbridge opened his body to whip a 25-yard effort high into the goal, taking the game to a stalemate 1-1.

The game turned into a long-ball one as both teams fielded very pacey strikers. However, both defences sat back deeply, and because of this, opportunities were few and far between. Alston took the lead for the second time in the game when Arron Collier headed from close-range. Celebrations from Alston were kept minimal, was they knew that full concentration was needed to see out the game.

The third goal sent the Alston players, fans and coaches into raptures. Nathan Frazers 30-yard wonderstrike curled into the top corner, leaving Matthew Duncan with no chance whatsoever. Frazer capped off a wonderful team effort, with centre-midfielder Jordan Norris shining.

Congratulations to Norman Currah's Alston for winning the Ted Nanson Trophy.