Rochdale Online Alliance League President's Cup Final: Wardle 2-3 Woodbank

Rochdale Online Alliance League President's Cup Final
Winners Woodbank FC

21 More Image(s) In Gallery

On a dry overcast evening, Castleton Sports Centre was the venue for the Rochdale Online Alliance League President’s Cup Final and, in front of a bumper crowd, Premier Division winners Wardle took on Woodbank, champions of Division Two.

On paper Wardle were expected to run out winners, but Woodbank defied the odds and took home the silverware in what was an excellent advert for amateur football delivered by two teams who played their part in a highly competitive and entertaining game.

Both teams started well, playing good football on what was a tricky and unforgiving surface.

Wardle opened the scoring. From a corner kick, Woodbank striker Jake Hancock, whilst trying to clear the incoming cross, inadvertently directed his header into the top corner of the net.

This would have disheartened most sides who were playing against a team who recently retained their Premier League title, however, this proved to be the catalyst for what was an excellent team performance.

Undeterred by the early setback, Woodbank began playing attractive, flowing football resulting in Marc Scowcroft in the Wardle goal regularly being called into action.

Despite being on the back foot, Wardle created the better openings with good efforts from Paul Sykes and Danny Armitage.

It took until the 20th minute before Woodbank threaten the Wardle goal, with Gino Taylor bringing the best out of Scowcroft who saved down to his left.

What proved to be the game's turning point came as Wardle's prolific Daz Smith missed a simple back post header from less than 5 yards out. That would have made it 2-0 and in most observers eyes game over, but it wasn’t to be and on the stroke of half-time, in a crowded penalty area, Woodbank’s Gino Taylor rose highest from a corner and powered his header into the goal to level things up.

Half time: Wardle 1 - 1 Woodbank

From the restart Wardle upped their tempo and had a couple of long range efforts. However, from this point forward, and with the floodlights lighting up the arena, Woodbank took control of the game, with the midfield duo of Gino Taylor and Steven Manifold overpowering Wardle’s Danny Armitage and Ste Taylor.

Wardle introduced Ryan Hill into the fray but Woodbank continued to dominate and, with Wardle’s discipline beginning to wane, in the 65th minute they conceded a silly foul. From the resulting free-kick, and with a mix-up in the Wardle defence, the ball broke loose to Danny Fletcher who pounced to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

Wardle began chasing the game, but with Daz Smith having to leave the field of play suffering from cramp, they had little success and Woodbank increased their advantage on 75 minutes with Jake Hancock beating Scowcroft in the bottom right hand corner from the edge of the box.

Wardle continued to push forward and nearly reduced the arrears, with only a desperate goal-line clearance by Aaron Parr keeping them out.

Woodbank had the ball in the Wardle net again but referee's assistant, Iain McDonald had his flag raised for offside.

With legs tiring, space was abundant and with chances for both teams going begging, Woodbank were running the clock down.

In the final minute of normal time, Wardle were rewarded for their efforts as assistant Paul Lister drew the attention of the referee. After a brief conversation the referee pointed to the spot and Daz Smith, who had rejoined the game, slotted home the penalty setting up a pulsating finale.

Wardle threw everything they could at Woodbank and after playing nearly five minutes of added time, the final whistle blew.

Full time: Wardle 2 - 3 Woodbank

A memorable and well deserved victory for Woodbank. This wasn’t lost on the Wardle players and officials who were gracious and sporting in defeat and demonstrated this by forming a guard of honour and clapped their victors from the pitch.

After the match the trophy was presented to Woodbank’s winning captain, James McDonald by the League President John Culshaw.