UNIBOND Champions Leigh RMI lifted the Peter Swales Challenge Shield with a 2-1 victory over Challenge Cup winners Lancaster City at Hilton Park.
There was no David Lee but there was no shortage of 'big-name' players either with Clayton Blackmore and Shaun Reid both eager to impress to win a contract at Hilton Park.
For Blackmore, the former Welsh international and ex-Manchester United, Middlesboro, Barnsley and Notts County player, it was his first full game although he had 45 minutes earlier in the week for Rushden and Diamonds against West Ham.
Reid had to settle for the second 45 minutes, just as he did against Clitheroe last Saturday. There were some impressive performance, notably new signing Gary Scott, another second half substitute Neil Durkin and former Lancaster defender Jamie Udall.
The Railwaymen took the lead in the 7th minute. Peter Comiskey received from Scott before racing to the by-line and driving in an inviting cross that Andy Mason volleyed past Cyril Sharrock. The lead lasted just 10 minutes before the visitors levelled, springing the off side trap in the process, Chris Ward appearing to be off side when he latched on to a long ball before cleverly lobbing the onrushing Dave Felgate from 25 yards. The first 20 minutes had provided excellent entertainment that sadly the rest couldn't match, although Dean Martin struck a post with Felgate a mere spectator. At the other end defender Lee Clitheroe headed against his own post with goalkeeper Sharrock rooted to the spot. The woodwork didn't come to Sharrock's aid in the 50th minute when the RMI winner came via a defender. Steve Jones's pace took him clear from Ged Kielty' pass over the top, but the speedy winger's shot was blocked by Sharrock, with the rebound striking Farrell Kilbane before flying into the net.
It was the first time the Railwaymen had won this particular trophy, but they still had plenty of defending to do to prevent Lancaster taking the game into extra-time, with Durkin coming to his side's rescue with an header off the line in injury time with Felgate beaten.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article