The Final of the Cumberland County League’s Ken Glover Trophy Final contested by UniSun Athletic and Whitehaven Miners had everything, committed teams, controversy and drama at the very end.
Played at Keswick FC’s picturesque facility at Fitz Park the game, which finished 3-2, was decided by a last-minute goal.
It was Miners who took the lead in the 26th minute, Lewis Park pouncing on a loose ball to slot home.
Their joy was short lived as Miners were reduced to 10 men following an incident involving a melee of players.
Despite the numerical disadvantage Miners safely saw out the first period to retain their 1-0 lead.
UniSun were having the lion’s share of possession in the second period yet failed to pierce a resolute Miners defence. It was Alex Parr who doubled the Miners lead, heading home from a corner kick.
Undeterred UniSun continued to probe for openings and were rewarded when a shot from 20 yards by Tom McDonald rippled the back of the Miners net.
With time ticking away and entering the first minute of the match officials seven minutes added time, UniSun levelled the scores with a Dorin Covaci strike.
With both team managers potentially giving consideration to who they would select for the dreaded penalty shoot-out, the final was decided by the last action of the game.
Following the awarding of a corner kick the ball was diverted into the opposition goal by the head of Chris Moore to give Miners the win.
There was plenty of praise for both teams who played some good committed football in a game that was a credit to the standard of the County League.
Miners edged the result despite being reduced to 10 men for 60 minutes and withstanding the pressure exerted by UniSun, particularly during the 2nd period.
The Ken Glover Trophy was presented to Miners Captain Bradley O’Pray by League Chairman, Geoff Turrell.
Meanwhile, home side Keswick reached the final of the Divisional Cup with a 3-2 win over main League rivals Cockermouth and will now meet Windscale AFC Reserves at the Falcon Complex.
The game was as tight as the scoreline suggested with the Cockermouth goals from Caine Winter and Luke Graham.
Keswick were level at the break with goals form Jamie Little and Charlie Robson and their second half winner came from Matt Rankin.
