Gledhill Cup Final - May 17th 2012

Last night saw the playing of the 45th Gledhill Cup Final at what we all hope will be the Premier Division ground of Blackpool FC at Bloomfield Road. Regulars Poulton SFC were there once again and up against Parkside FC. Here are a few pictures and a brief match summary.

Gledhill Cup Final

Poulton SFC 2 – 1 Parkside FC

Poulton SFC had come into this final on the back of a twenty-two game unbeaten run that stretched back until last October. Last Sunday they won the Premier Division/Division 1 Cup as well as securing runners up spot in the Prem. In contrast, tonight's opponents Parkside FC were unable to hang on to that runners up spot largely due to a stumbling end to the season when they dropped ten points from the last eighteen.

Poulton were decent favourites and in the first 35 minutes they proved the bookmakers correct with an awesome performance that in effect won the game from them. A Danny Morris Penalty on 6 minutes and an Eastwood shot ten minutes later put them firmly in control and in all fairness they had two great chances to score more early doors but the golden opportunities were squandered.

Parkside finally got going around the 35 minute mark and Phil Smith was very unfortunate not to pull one back when his curling effort hit the angle of crossbar and post. The second half was a lot more evenly contested but the Poulton goal rarely looked threatened. Catlow danced around a couple of defenders only to see his shot well saved low down by Romeo. Parkside were handed a penalty late on that was well despatched by Brookes but it was to be no more than a consolation although it made for a couple of interesting minutes at the end. The Fyldesport Man of the match was Gary Pett of Poulton SFC. Covered every blade of grass from box to box for 90 minutes.

Well officiated by referee Hill and his team. Congratulations to Poulton SFC on their win and well done to Parkside who, on reflection will look back on a very good season.

The ball boys from Thornton Cleveleys FC U12's – good job done lads

Parkside FC supporter on the ball.

James and Grady making the best of a rare opportunity – one day for real maybe

Poulton SFC sporting their sponsor's 'Randy Ron' warm up T Shirts

'Give us a kick'

The players and officials emerge from the tunnel

Tonight's officials

Poulton SFC 2011/12

Due to the confusion re the minutes silence for Martin Rogers I was unable to take the parkside FC team picture but if the camera guy who did could E-Mail me a copy to sportspy22@aol.com this is where it will go.

Tossing for ends

Ball boy

Good early pressure from Poulton

Parkside FC manager Lee Impett (Left) alongside 4th Official Derek Ball

On 6 minutes referee Hill adjudged that a Parkside player had handled a corner above his head. Penalty – Danny Morris buries it in the corner. 1-0
A bad miss from Whittaker who had a free header and a lot of the goal to aim at but he got it all wrong
Tom Porter leaps the highest
Phil Smith
Craig Littlewood in goals for Parkside

The crowd watches on

Sixteen minutes and it's 2-0 Poulton after Carl Eastwood (Out of picture right) fires home

Alan Thompson (Right) and ex Poulton SFC playerChris Debar

A good performance from BFSFA referee of the year Steve Hill

Poulton keeper Speighty

Danny Betmead (Left)

Poulton's long serving manager Alan Cocker

Parkside's best effort of the first half. Phil Smith (Out of picture cut in from the right and hit a great curling effort on to the bar with Speight well beaten. You can just see the ball on the angle.