Maryport Athletic won the inaugural Tony Barnett Memorial Trophy after coming from behind to win 2-1 against Northside.
The fixture brought together the champions of last season’s Cumberland County League Premier Division and the West Cumberland Sunday League Premier Division, with the charity match raising funds for a local cause (details to be confirmed).
The trophy brought two leagues together in memory of Tony Barnett, who was a long-standing committee member of the Egremont and District Sunday League and pivotal in the merger with the Workington and District Sunday League to form the new West Cumberland League.
He was also a secretary for St Bees FC and worked closely with the Cumberland County League during the club’s membership with the County’s Premier Saturday League.
Northside FC took the lead through Max Litt in the first half. Goals in the last 20 minutes from Ethan Weir and Ciaran Booty saw Maryport Athletic overturn the deficit to be the first winners of the new Trophy.
The trophy was presented to Maryport Athletic captain, Ryan Porter by Tony’s daughter, Amy.
The match was refereed by Tommy Linford, with support from assistant referees Karl Sanderson and Kev Young.
Cumberland FA were honoured to provide the trophy and attend the inaugural charity game alongside Tony’s friends and family, remembering and celebrating a true football man.
Cumberland FA CEO Ben Snowdon, who attended the match, said: “Thanks to The Cumberland County League and The West Cumberland Sunday League for organising, especially Neil McCrickard and Geoff Turrell, the match officials, who officiated for free, Workington Town for hosting, all those who attended, and the two teams for playing their part in the evening.
“A special thanks to Janice, David and Amy Barnett and family and Tony’s friends, especially Steve Durham, for their support.
“Whilst TB wouldn’t have liked the attention on him, we are sure he’d have loved the football, the crack about football and the beers.”
