Extra time agony

In a real see-saw battle that either side could have won, Craven substitute Nathan Russell grabbed the decisive goal to guide the Southport-based league to glory.

It was a match that had everything -- including a delayed kick off due to crowd congestion and a power cut that lasted 40 minutes.

But once the match got under way for a second time, Warburton got off to a flying start with Jordan Jackson testing Craven keeper Tom Manley with a crisp low drive.

Graham Martin's side continued to build on their impressive early form and took the lead through the excellent Matthew Tindall.

The Warburton skipper led by example with a robust and rampaging performance down the right.

Dale Hartley broke down the left and centred for Tindall who showed great awareness to touch the ball inside his marker and then took his shot early to give Manley no chance.

Tom Gore proved to be Craven's main outlet in the early exchanges with the right winger twice flashing shots across Sam Ball's goal.

But Manley was the busier of the two keepers saving well from Daniel Boyle and then holding on to a rising drive from Tindall who had latched on to a fine Jackson pass.

With roll-on, roll-off subs allowed, Warbuton made their first change and threw on Konrad Hill who wasted two good chances to make dramatic impact.

However, Craven's Russell was to prove to be the super sub of the day when he entered the fray just before the break.

He too should have scored with his first touch but fired wide when well placed.

Russell wasted an even better chance seconds after the restart when he latched on to a loose pass, raced through the Warburton defence but again failed to hit the target.

Craven were now in the ascendancy and grabbed an equaliser when Mike Carney curled a superb shot over the stranded Ball. The Southport side then took the lead when Richard Cowan -- who had been given torrid time by Russell -- up-ended the sub for a penalty which Lou Sava tucked away.

Warburton weren't finished though and Tindall set off on one of his trademark runs before being brought down by Alex Barlow sporting Edgar Davids-style glasses.

From the resulting deep free kick Boyle fired in a low volley that Manley did well to save.

With time ticking away, Warburton drew level when substitute Andrew Mckenzie whipped in a dangerous cross that fell to Hill who made up for his early misses to force extra time.

Despite tiring legs, Warburton looked the brighter of the sides in the first period of extra time and were unlucky not to take the lead.

Tindall saw his shot crash against the bar before Boyle wriggled free in the area only to see his low shot superbly saved by Manley.

It appeared that the fascinating contest would go all the way to penalties but midway through the second period, Craven scored the match winner.

Phil Ferguson cut in from the left and centred for Russell who slotted his shot beyond Ball's despairing dive.

This time there was no Warburton comeback and victory went to Craven -- although both sides were winners on the night.

Warburton Youth League...2

Craven Minor League...3