Bricklayers triumph in Denis John Trophy

Photo: Jon Pudny

Bricklayers start the celebrations after being presented with the Denis John Trophy.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Old Bricklayers eased to victory over Old Bulls Head in the final of the Denis John Trophy.

Despite going behind to an early penalty, Bricklayers rallied to fire three goals before half time and then sealed the win with a fourth after the break.

Old Bulls Head's cause was not helped by the sending off of striker Sam Makin for twice directing foul and abusive language towards the referee.

Bricklayers were strong favourites going into the final but they made a nervous start and fell behind when the referee awarded Old Bulls Head a penalty for a perceived push inside the Bricklayers penalty area. Midfielder Devlin stepped up to convert the spot kick.

The setback appeared to awake Bricklayers from their slumber and they were soon in front. Excellent work by David Thomas brought two goals in quick succession for his side. Thomas beat the Bulls Head right back and squared to the back post for Andy Watson to finish before Thomas turned provider once more, this time picking out Wayne Storey, who fired home convincingly.

Bricklayers began to get a stranglehold on proceedings and gave themselves a cushion thanks to the goal of the game from midfielder Wayne Clark. The ball fell kindly for Clark on the edge of the box and he produced a finish that is certainly not akin to the lower echelons of sunday league football, rifling the ball into the roof of the net on the half-volley.

Old Bulls Head made a bright start to the second half but never really tested Danny Stewart in the opposition goal.

Bricklayers' win was confirmed when Thomas got the goal his performance had deserved. Thomas turned on the edge of the box and while the Old Bulls Head backline appealed for offside against an inactive player, the striker took the ball on himself and finished with ease.

Old Bulls Head had to see out the remainder with ten men after Makin, who had earlier been booked for mouthing off at the referee, received his marching orders for his protests against the lack of an offside flag for the fourth goal. It certainly was not a proud moment for the striker and tarnished the nature of what was a hard fought but good natured cup final.

The rest of the game was played out with Bricklayers searching for more goals. Thomas squandered a chance after being put through by strike partner Danny Kershaw and then forced a superb save from Bulls Head keeper Elliott as his speculative overhead kick threatened the top corner. Storey should have made it five when he blazed over from 12 yards out, while substitute Tony Greenwood also missed a couple of late opportunities; first his well struck back post volley was superbly blocked by a defender and then he somehow put a header wide from point blank range after Thomas had fired over another pinpoint cross.

Bricklayers: Stewart, C. Dowsing, Howarth, Hill, Wright, Clark, N. Dowsing, W. Storey, Watson, Kershaw, Thomas.
Subs: S. Storey, Tomlinson, Greenwood, Martyn.

Old Bulls Head: G. Elliott, Woodhams, W. Elliott, Clarke, Binns, Costello, C. Lee, Devlin, Yeoman, Flitcroft, Makin.
Subs: J. Lee, Walsh, Brooks.

Man of the Match - N. Dowsing.