Howle Hill 2 Whitecroft Reserves 0

Geo Sandoe Cup Final

HOWLE Hill ended Whitecroft Reserves’ quest for a third successive Sandoe Cup triumph in a match of few chances.

Whitecroft had all the early running in the first half but the game opened up after Joe Griffiths’ deflected free-kick on 57 minutes left Whitecroft keeper Jonathan Coleman stranded.

It was horrible luck for Coleman, who kept his side in with a shout thanks to a couple of good saves.

Shane Reeves looked dangerous for the defending champions, a constant bright spark on the ball on the left wing. He let fly from range on the hour mark but saw his shot go harmlessly wide of the far post.

Ex-Hereford United keeper Dale Brooke proved his worth in the Hill goal, making a string of smart stops; the best of which came after 62 minutes from a header which he tipped around the post.

Five minutes later, a break from the Howle Hill midfield looked like bearing fruit but the Greeks busted a gut to get back and defend.

Unfortunately, such efforts saw the Whitecroft midfield leggy in the final quarter of the match and as such were unable to retain the ball and create a much-needed attack.

Appeals for handballs inside the Hill box were waved away and although the leading side were reduced to long range efforts, further fortune paid off two minutes into added time.

A long effort by Hill was blocked by a Whitecroft defender, but only into the path of substitute Chris Baverstock, who netted neatly in the far corner despite appearing offside.

It was a finish worthy of winning the trophy as Howle Hill celebrated success in the competition for the third time.