Holders Middlewich shocked as Ashton win Trophy

Apr 8 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

CURZON Ashton reserves pulled off a surprise 3-2 victory over holders Middlewich Town in the final of the Jack Parker First Division Challenge Trophy under Trafford’s floodlights to record their first honour since joining the league in 2003.

A team with an average age of 21 shocked Terry Murphy’s more experienced side with lively attacking play, courtesy of goals from Alan Day (2) and Martin Curtis, while Dean Clarke and Mark Brandon replied. Golborne Sports beat Club AZ 3-1 in the Second Division Cup final also played at Trafford with goals from Steve Waywell (2) and Peter Connelly, Ray Davies replying.

While their first team look certain to drop into Division Two, Poynton won the Reserve Division cup when they beat Billinge 4-3 on penalties.

Most top teams in Division One were involved in the President’s Cup on Saturday, league leaders Pilkington scoring a morale-boosting 4-2 victory over their closest challengers Styal.

RESULTS: Mid-week. Jack Parker Challenge Cup final: Curzon Ashton res. 3 Middlewich 2. Saturday. Division One: Crosfields 3 Rylands 1; Gamesley 0 Cuirzon Ashton res. 4; Linotype/Cheadle Heath 4 Trafford res. 3; Stalybridge res. 3 Middlewich 3; Woodley Sports 2 Poynton 2. President’s Cup second round: Barnton 0 Witton Albion res. 2; Garswood 2 Golborne 0; Greenall Padgate St. Oswald 2 Malpas 1; Monk Sports 0 Knutsford 3; Pilkington 4 Styal 2. Mid-week. Division Two: Warrington res. 4 Golborne 1. Saturday. Division Two: Broadheath Central 1 Club AZ 7; Eagle 1 Warrington res. 3; Grappenhall 3 Crewe FC 0; Maine Road res. 1 Billinge 4; Congleton res. 3 Golborne 2; Tarporley Vics 6 Lostock Gralam 0.