There still appears to be no end to the domination of the Workington Sunday League by Northside.
Last season’s quadruple winners may have missed out on the Sunday County Cup but after clinching the League championship they have just retained the President’s Cup.
There was something rather fitting about their 5-0 victory over Salterbeck as Borough Park had staged a rousing final 24 hours later when Workington Reds beat Runcorn Linnets.
The Northside estate sits looking down on Borough Park from across the River Derwent and has had numerous ties with the football club over the years. It’s most famous son Joe Wilson started and finished his career with the Reds, and in between played at the top level with Notts Forest and Wolves.
Joe, who later emigrated to Australia and died in 2015, would certainly have approved of the latest crop of Northside footballers, and how they performed in the final.
Despite the pitch invasion 24 hours earlier the Borough Park playing surface was immaculate and a damp morning meant the ball zipped off the surface, which was ideal for Northside’s style of play – particularly for their quick front three.
They set off on the front foot and Salterbeck were under early pressure which eventually led to a penalty award and Callum Killick made no mistake.
Producing some attractive one and two touch football Northside continued to dominate and it was no real surprise when Jamie Bramley laid on a second goal for Killick.
To their credit Salterbeck made changes to the line-up which seemed to make a difference as they came into the game and it remained 2-0 at the break.
But it was business as usual for Northside early in the second-half when Salterbeck were dragged around defensively and Tony Berwick scored the third goal.
Then some outstanding work by Tommy Whitehead ended with him firing in the fourth goal.
It looked bleak for Salterbeck when Northside were awarded a second penalty but this time keeper Wayne Sowerby made a brilliant save.
But although Salterbeck hung in stoutly, intent on damage limitation, Northside were able to add a fifth goal with a brave header from Mike Kilgour.
Kyle Graham, who played centre mid-field for Northside was awarded the Man of the Match while Salterbeck’s Logan Potter was picked-out as their best for his hard work and determined defence in adversity.
Celebrations went long into the night but Northside will be focused on this Sunday’s League Cup final, again at Borough Park, as they look to tie-up the treble.
