Pilkingtons 4 Warrington Town Reserves 4 AET
(Warrington win 4-3 on penalties)
WARRINGTON Town Reserves reached the final of the President’s Cup in an incredible game away to Division One leaders Pilkingtons FC.
In a thrilling encounter it was Town who were to strike first when Mike Grogan delicately chipped Cross in the Pilkingtons goal.
The Yellows were giving as good as they got against the St Helens outfit from the division above and could have extended their lead further when Grogan headed wide after a good cross from Matty Pithers and Lee Dermody drove straight at Cross.
Finally the home side were stirred into action as Thomas tested Mike Perkins in the Warrington goal before Ruby beat the Warrington keeper to the ball and finished into an empty net.
Just before the break it was the first division side who took the lead when Harvey flicked an optimistic effort into the far corner.
Town, reluctant to give up, showed great character in the second half and drew level when Dermody finished well after good work from Grogan and Owen Ellis.
After Grogan had shot wide, Pilkingtons took the lead again this time Perkins could only parry Ruby’s shot leaving Harris with an easy finish.
Warrington old boy Phil Mitchell came off the bench for the home side as the Reserves brought on their own winger Dave Berry, who was to ultimately have a telling contribution.
With the game coming to a close, The Wire were pushing forward and hit the post in the 89th minute when Berry’s crisp effort came thundering out off the wood work and Grogan failed to convert the rebound.
In the sixth minute of injury time, Warrington were awarded a penalty for hand ball. Dermody kept his nerve and slotted home to send the game into extra-time.
The fascinating clash had more twists to come though as Pithers finished Berry’s cross to give Town a 3-4 lead.
With the last kick of the first period of extra time, Pilkingtons drew level when Harris hit an unstoppable drive from the edge of the box.
Both sides had other chances to win it in extra time, Craig Hall hit the post for Warrington and Pilkingtons applied a lot of pressure with three consecutive corners.
In the end the teams could not be separated and the game had to be decided on penalties.
Grogan missed Town’s first spot kick, but Pithers, Ellis and Dermody all found the net before Perkins produced a fine save to bring the scores level.
Berry then kept his cool and converted well before Harris blasted the final kick over the bar to send Town through to the final on May 10 against Witton Albion Reserves.
Warrington Town Res : Perkins, Parr, Hall, Ward (Taylor), Sinker, Brown, Ellis, Pithers, Grogan, Dermody, Toone (Berry) Sub not used : Driscoll
