Mike breaks champions' hearts in cup final

3:13pm Wednesday 30th April 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

TWO superb finishes from Mike McGree proved the difference as Lancelyn Glenavon's 10-men withstood the onslaught from newly-crowned Wirral Sunday League Premier Division champions New Ferry Wirral Hotel to lift the Premier Cup for the second time in their 38-year history.

Friday evening's clash at Cammell Laird drew a big crowd and the two sides gave a competitive edge to a well contested final.

McGree's stunning first-half left foot half-volley put Lancelyn in front, but the cup holders rallied strongly and second-half substitute Andy Barker headed a dramatic equaliser on 52 minutes.

With extra-time beckoning, a Lancelyn counter-attack left the fleet footed McGree through on goal and he streaked clear before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home with a minute left on the clock.

Towers gave an excellent account of themselves and had Dave Huntington and Ben Speed on target, but dipped 3-2 to Victoria Seniors in Sunday morning's Challenge Cup semi-final.

Replies from Garry Parr, 2, and Glyn Allinson secured Vics' passage, but Sunday evening's other semi, between Euro Wirral and New Ferry Wirral Hotel, was postponed. It will, hopefully, be re-scheduled for this Friday evening at Lairds.

The Division One championship race has still not been concluded, after leaders Little Brighton stumbled once again. They still need a point to make sure of the title.

On Sunday, Brighton netted through Alan Fowlie and Danny Jones, but came unstuck against nearest rivals Kings Security, who edged a 3-2 decision. They could still miss out on promotion, if fourth-placed Red Cat win their remaining three games.

A feast of goals between Tixalls and PSI culminated in a 6-4 victory for PSI. Dave Myles and Tommy Smith bagged two goals each for the winners, while further efforts from Carl Davies and Mark Leyfield completed the total.

Tixalls' contribution came from Gary Roberts, Jamie Smith, Ryan Innes and a Matty Morgan penalty.

Ben Parker's solitary strike was enough for Eagle to take maximum spoils from their encounter with Bebington Athletic, leaving the Upton side lamenting on what might have been had the first-half of their season matched a terrific run-in.

In Division Two, Friday's 5-0 demoltion of OC Sports & Leisure left leaders Euro Wirral in pole position, a point clear of nearest rivals Stanleys Seaview, with a game in hand.

Stanleys stayed in contention by overcoming The Plough 5-0 on Sunday, but back-to-back wins inside three days over Sandridge and Gladstone Athletic kept third-placed New Ferry Town very much in the promotion equation.

The Wirral Sunday League has a limited number of vacancies for 2008/009. Application forms can be obtained from league secretary Dave Lea (Tel: 0151 608-4332).