Crewe United lifted the first silverware of the Mid Ulster League season as a single goal from Kevin McGuinness was enough to secure the Premier Cup against Banbridge Rangers.
It was Crewe who started the game stronger and created the first clear cut chance of the game. Jonny Doyle made a good run down the right wing and delivered a dangerous ball into Aoifen McBrearty. McBrearty cut inside but dragged his shot just wide of the post.
Banbridge came back into the game and Purdy failed to hit the target from the edge of the box after good work from Gilchrist. Kevin McGuinness also had a good chance as he broke the offside trap but his early shot was easily saved.
Crewe always looked as if they could get chances down either wing and on the stroke of half time that is how Kevin McGuinness got his goal. After good work from Josh Green, new signing Bryce Gray delivered a cross that struck the post and McGuinness was on hand to fire in from close range.
In the second half Banbridge Rangers came out and tried to put Crewe under pressure with a lot of long balls into the box. However Jake Chadwick and Michael McBriarty at the centre of the Crewe defence dealt with anything that was thrown at them and Seamy McFlynn was commanding in the Crewe goal when he needed to be.
As the game opened up Crewe could have sealed the win as McGuinness hit another effort from 20 yards that hit the crossbar. In a game played on a difficult surface Crewe controlled large parts of the game and were fully deserving of the victory.
A very well done to all the management team and to Scott Bingham on his first trophy as manager after only three games in charge. Extended highlights of the game can be viewed here and thanks to i4 Sport for the match coverage.
We would also like to thank our amazing support that turned out for the final. It made it a great occasion for the club and we could certainly hear them all night.
Finally, a huge thanks to the sponsors who continue to help us. Special mention to The Plough, Hillsborough, Centum, Fibrus Broadband, Energy Fitness, J Dawson Contracts, McQuillan Companies, Magee Landscapes and Natural World Products.
