Tavern are the toast of Amble after final victory
AMBLE Tavern made the best possible start against Ashington RAOB in the final of the George Davison Cup - going ahead after just eight minutes at Morpeth’s Craik Park.
RAOB’s goalkeeper made a save from Mathew Graham, but somehow the player kneed the ball into the net over him.
On 15 minutes the Buffs were reduced to ten men and ten minutes later Graham scored with a tremendous shot which gave the goalkeeper no chance.
This gave the Tavern breathing space and control of the game as they went in at the break with a healthy lead.
The second period was much like the first with the Tavern pulling the strings as they held on to lift the trophy.
Colin Bassam from Port Training Services Blyth sponsored the final and presented the trophy to Tavern captain Josh Hay.
Earlier, Newsham Victory lost on penalties to Block and Tackle Ashington in the Saints Shield final, also at Morpeth Town’s ground.
In doing so, Block and Tackle lifted their second trophy in two weeks following their victory over Eardson Red Lion in the J D Marnock Cup the previous weekend.
In a very slow start chances were very few with much of the action in midfield.
Block and Tackle took the lead when they were awarded a penalty converted by Steven Patterson.
Newsham came more into the game but they lacked an end product to their attacking.
Just before the break Newsham’s Mark Ord hit a goalbound shot from 25 yards which was heading for the top corner.
However, Block and Tackle’s goalkeeper moved to his left and pulled off a great save, pushing the ball out for a corner.
Newsham started the second half on the front foot and looked the more likely side to score - and on 65 minutes Craig Frazer found the equaliser.
Both sides then produced their best football of the game, both making chances - but it was Block and Tackle who regained the lead courtesy of Ross Jeffrey.
With 15 minutes left both sides had a player sent off but Newsham levelled again in added time through Chris Yellowley.
The game went into extra time and then to a penalty shoot-out which went the way of Block and Tackle Block and Tackle 4-2.
Match sponsor Trevor Scott from C R Scott Limited presented the trophies.
In the Premier Division, Ashington Town Central defeated Blyth Town Sunday 3-1. Michael Todd scoring a hat-trick for Central, Jack Patterson for Blyth Town.