Chaddertonians edged out by hit-man Ward in McKeown Cup thriller

It was a cracking tie between Chaddertonians (blue shirts) and eventual winners Moston Brook

AMATEUR FOOTBALL: Last season saw the champions of the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL take on the champions of the Lancashire Amateur League for the first time in the long history of the two leagues with the McKeown Cup being taken by the winners.

In 2022 L and C champions Moston Brook became the first winners of the trophy, beating LAL champions Little Lever.

Brook were the hosts for the 2023 final as the Land C champions hosted LAL champions Chaddertonians.

It was even-steven for most of the first half, but the clinical finishing of Brook star Jack Ward gave them the lead.

It was doubled before the break by Brook new boy Tom Stuttart.

Ward again showed his legendary predatory skills early in the second half to give Brook a commanding 3-0 lead.

But Chaddertonians showed their intent as they kept up their momentum and created several chances which were not converted.

Brook seemed to be on easy street going into the final minutes but Chaddertonians got their deserved reward for their efforts with two goals in the last five minutes to put the pressure on Brook.

But they managed to withstand all that Chaddertonians could throw at them for a 3-2 win to retain the trophy presented to them by L and C President Brian Davies to conclude an excellent game which was a tribute to both of their clubs and leagues.

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