Super Thwaites storm to cup triumph!

Thwaites FC secured their first piece of silverware in their short history as they clinched the 5-a-side league trophy in style. Here's how they did it.....

1st Round - v Magpies

Thwaites began the competition with a bang against last years champions and cup favourites Magpies as they stormed to a 3-1 victory. Thwaites were the better team from the offset and after only seven seconds some neat build up play let in midfielder Jamie Hopwood to lash home. Keeper Paul Slater pulled off several neat saves before the break. However, Thwaites dominated the second half and increased their lead by a further two goals to go into a 3-0 lead with Simon Tipton and Mark Slater capitulating on some slack defending.

With Jamie Hopwood inspirational in the middle and Thwaites awesome
attacking power and Southworth and Slater guilty of missing several
gilt-edged chances they thoroughly deserved the win. Magpies pulled one back before the final whistle but it proved to be just scant consolation for the league champions.

2nd Round - v Lookers.

The brewery team beat rivals Lookers in what proved to be a much closer game to the game against Magpies in the first round. However, the brewery team upset the bookies form book with yet another astonishing performance.

In a fierce encounter with both sides having a host of chances Thwaites eventually took the lead when Simon Tipton's mazy run and shot put them one goal to the good. The scores remained the same until half time. In the second half, Thwaites doubled their lead when Mark Slater chipped in a neat finish to secure the win.

Another battling display from Thwaites ensured they reached their first final in their short two year history as there was no way back from a dejected Lookers side.

3rd Round - v Victoria Hotel

Thwaites had to find their way past new-favourites Victoria Hotel if they wanted to round off a perfect night and clinch the trophy. Victoria, however, only narrowly defeated bottom of the league Craven on penalties knew they must improve their performance if they were to beat a now
buoyant Thwaites team. The brewery team did not disappoint.

Only minutes into the first half, Jamie Hopwood missed an open goal as the
ball fell to him at the edge of the box. However, Simon Tipton soon put Thwaites into the lead after driving the ball past the Victoria keeper.

Tempers began to flare and Victoria found it hard to play with any fluency as Thwaites battled for everything. Their hard work paid off as Simon Tipton secured his brace with yet another great goal. This was his fourth of the competition and was in magnificent form. Victoria then outlined their frustration as they had a man sent off for an awful challenge on Mark Slater. Ironically, Slater then secured the win for Thwaites with two minutes remaining as he put them into an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Jamie Hopwood, gave away a penalty in injury time and Victoria duly
converted. However, it was only a consolation and joyous scenes followed the final whistle as the 5-a-side league dark horses revelled in glory.

Competition Ratings.
P.Slater 10 - Excellent, Made some good saves and lived up to his new nickname, 'The Cat'
D.Southworth 10 - Solid throughout. Could have scored a few goals as well to cap a fine competition.
J.Hopwood 10 - His best three performances of the 5-a-side season.
Re-wrote the history books with the quickest goal in Thwaites history
against rivals Magpies.
S.Tipton 10 - Top scorer for Thwaites. Deserved this accolade after an awesome display. Is currently in a rich vein of form.
M.Slater 10 - Tantalised the opposition. Scored some great goals which helped Thwaites clinch the cup.

Picture - The cup: PROPERTY OF THWAITES!