L&C Triumph Over LAL as Season Ends in Style

The weekend saw completion of the remaining league fixtures, as well as the annual Inter League match with rivals and friends from the Lancashire Amateur League to contest the John Howard Shield.

It was a dramatic encounter to match up to the occasion as the L&C scored a 90^th-minute equaliser to draw 2-2 and win the subsequent penalty shootout.

The L&C played hosts for the game and it was played at Bedians FC, who provided an immaculate grass pitch drawing universal praise from all players and officials for its quality.

The players responded superbly showing commitment and skill with plenty of committed tackles and on the ball quality.

The LAL began well and raced into a 2-0 lead but a determined L&C got a goal back and equalised in the 90^th minute to send us to penalties.

They prevailed 7-6 with Bedians goalkeeper Tomasz Koperwas playing a vital role in the victory.

L&C defender Jack Cobbett (Boothstown) was voted as the MOM.

The John Howard Trophy and medals were presented by L&C President and team manager Rob O’Connor, who also manages Bedians and is responsible for the superb condition of the Bedians pitch.

There was plenty of good will and camaraderie after the presentation between both teams and their officials and supporters to provide a great example for grass roots football.

Elsewhere, the final league fixtures were completed with the only leagues still to finish their games were Division One and Division A.

In Division One, Didsbury secured second place with a convincing 5-0 win over Mellor.

League champions East Manchester Galaxy were presented with their trophy before their game with Oldham Hulmeians, who showed why they finished third and tasted Geoff Garnett Cup glory as they cruised to a 5-2 victory to finish just two points behind the champions.

In Division A, champions and treble winners Signol Athletic signed off in emphatic style with a convincing midweek win over Newton Vikings before ending with a 9-0 derby win over Cheadle and Gatley.

Signol have won three trophies and finished with an unbeaten record in their division and a massive goal difference of 67 giving them plenty of fond memories.

The L&C congratulates everyone for their hard work and the quality of football on show all season and particularly, we salute our champions:

Premier Division – Rushford Park

Division One – East Manchester Galaxy

Division Two – Moorside

Division Three – Waterhead AFC

Division A – Signol Athletic

Division B – Oldham Hulmeians Reserves.