MOLDGREEN displayed passion and endeavour to lift the Hoyle Cup for the first time.
Their 2-1 victory over Bay Athletic at the Galpharm Stadium last night was fully merited – not least for the hard work they put in over the 90 minutes.
And it leaves them with a great chance of making it a league and cup double in only their second season in the Works League.
Bay, who are second in the league, displayed the more attractive football on the night but they lacked the killer touch, with several good openings going to waste.
Their opponents covered every inch of the huge pitch, never shirked a tackle and, in the final 30 minutes, showed some neat and thoughtful touches.
Bay dominated the early exchanges and chances fell to Courtney Allette and Carl Jones. But Moldgreen hit back and on 17 minutes went ahead with a penalty, after Dale Joy was brought down by a lunging tackle from Mick Humphreys. Aidy Smith blasted the ball high into the net.
Bay continued to impress and Allette had a fine whizzing shot scrape the side netting before his side drew level.
Again, it came from the penalty spot and again referee Mario Loucas was spot on. Jason Scarfe brought down Daniel Naidole as he danced into the box and Allette slid the spot-kick easily past Richard McDonagh to make it 1-1.
Bay continued to dominate the rest of the first half but McDonagh was equal to their best efforts.
Minutes into the second half Moldgreen got their noses in front again.
Some good work by Joy on the left saw him fire a cross into the box and the ball was volleyed home by John Hall with Bay keeper Tom Watkinson helpless.
Dan Stocker had Bay’s next chance but his shot rattled the bar.
But Moldgreen were now beginning to play expansive football and a great run by defender Ashley Derrick saw him slide the ball in for Peter Short and his snap shot clipped the bar.
The game swung from end to end as players on both sides tired on the big pitch and Bay should have levelled when McDonagh made a hash of a clearance. But Allette’s shot clipped the inside of a post and bounced to safety.
Moldgreen’s defence rallied after that and they held out for a deserved victory.
The trophies were presented by league vice-chairman Jeff Mellor.
Bay Athletic – Watkinson, Thomas, Humphreys, Burns, Stocker, Naidole, Mowat, Stephenson, Simpson (Dean 60), Jones (Adams 72), Allette. Subs (not used): Alexander, Spychalski, Wareham.
Moldgreen – McDonagh, Derrick, Scarfe, Wilson, Haigh, Kidger (O’Hare 77), Augustine (Hartley 62), Hall, Smith, Joy (Gledhill 65), Short.
Referee – Mario Loucas.
Assistants – Vic Murray, Michael Coles.
Attendance – 291.
