For the first time in a number of years the Sunday County Cup final is going to be an all-west affair.
Parkside and Northside were both successful in Sunday’s semi-finals against east opposition and are set for a final showdown on May 5 at Penrith’s Frenchfield.
However, with two west sides involved the County FA will be under some pressure to switch it to a venue which suits both west teams and their supporters, possibly Workington’s Borough Park.
Both clubs play in the West Cumberland Sunday League which is in its first season since the amalgamation of the Workington and Egremont Sunday Leagues.
“I think that is a feather in the cap of the new League,” said secretary Neil McCrickard.
Parkside, who had knocked-out long-time holders Inter Pirelli in the quarter final got through 2-0 at the expense of the Jovial Sailor.
It was a hard-fought contest with some stern tackling and defending from both sides in difficult windy conditions although Craig Devine, the Parkside keeper was rarely troubled in a goal-less first-half.
Parkside did hit the woodwork on several occasions but did not take the lead until two minutes into the second-half when Callum Birdsall found the back of the net.
Ben McCarron, Parkside’s in-form young winger was switched from left to right and on 70 minutes it paid off when he cut inside before hitting a superb shot which gave the Jovial Sailor keeper no chance as it nestled in the top corner.
Parkside were able to see out the rest of the game fairly comfortably although Devine did have to make his best save of the game, going down to turn a slow shot round the post.
Northside got through at Scotby 4-2 on penalties after the 90 minutes and extra-time had finished goalless.
Storm Kathleen also had an effect on the game, which was pretty even although both wanted to get the ball down and play which wasn’t possible in the conditions.
When it came to the penalty shoot-out there were successful spot kicks from Jamie Bramley, Tony Berwick, Kyle Graham and Max Litt.
But the hero was goalkeeper Andrew Mitchell who produced a fantastic save to win the game for his team.
Jamie Moore, the Northside manager said: “The Scotby lads showed their class with their hospitality before and after the game. It was a shame the game had to be won on penalties.
“We look forward to meeting Parkside in the County final. They have a brilliant team and we can’t wait. I just hope they can get it transferred out west because there will be a bumper crowd if they do.”
