By Robert Haile
It was a close game between Windscale AFC and Darlington Town in the Alan Hood Charity Cup.
Taking place at the Falcon Complex, Egremont on Saturday May 13 the Wearside First Division side met with Darlington Town being favourites after two wins in the league against Windscale AFC.
In a goalless first half both sides had chances to take the lead.
Darlington Town came out and broke the deadlock just after half time with a free kick that Windscale didn’t clear and James Beauchamp fired the loose ball home.
Near the hour mark Windscale were awarded a penalty but Lewis Jolly shot was saved by the opposition’s goalkeeper.
As the game carried on both sides had chances that came and went with Darlington hitting the bar and Windscale having shots tipped wide.
With time running out Windscale were awarded a second chance from the spot and this time Ben Graham made no mistake to equalise.
Finishing 1-1 it would come down to the lottery of a penalty shootout to decide who would be crowned.
It is never easy to take the first penalty and Windscale AFC’s Reece Fretwell stepped up while on target it was to close to the Darlington goalkeeper who saved it.
It was then nine successful penalties as as the pressure mounted until Darlington Town put their fifth away to take the Alan Hood Charity Cup.
Windscale AFC’s season came to an end after another successful league campaign where they secured a second consecutive eighth place finish.
Darlington Town have another final to content facing league winners FC Hartlepool on Saturday May 20.
Full Time Result
Windscale AFC 1-1 Darlington Town – 5-4 penalties.
THE HERDWICK NEWS 