WARRINGTON Town Reserves triumphed in Saturday’s Cheshire League President’s Cup final to bring silverware back to Cantilever Park.
The Wire managed to overcome the energy sapping conditions to record a 3-2 victory over Witton Albion’s second-string thanks to a hat-trick from Michael Grogan.
In front a large crowd, Town made a bright stat and were ahead after only five minutes when a strong challenge from Danny Toone put Grogan in the clear who finished emphatically into the corner.
A shell-shocked Witton tried to establish a foot-hold in the game and began to pass the ball well without really hurting Warrington.
Mike Perkins in the Town goal produced a smart save from Hutt at his near post to keep The Yellows in front, while at the other end, Lee Dermody’s tireless work and Grogan’s skill kept the Witton defence under pressure.
As the half was drawing to a close, Grogan manage to scramble home a second from Dermody’s high cross, which sent the travelling Warrington support behind the goal into raptures.
With a 2-0 lead to defend, Warrington started the second half slowly and conceded a sloppy goal to bring Witton right back into the game when Carter slotted the ball home from close range.
Warrington suddenly looked in danger of losing their lead when Hutt missed the target after being put through and Perkins made a fantastic stop to deny Town captain Richie Sinker putting through his own goal.
Dermody then blazed wide from a good position and Danny Toone hit a free-kick straight at the Witton keeper as The Wire looked to stabilise the game.
With 20 minutes left on clock, Grogan completed a brilliant hat-trick when he slammed a free kick into the roof of the net to give The Yellows some breathing space.
It could have been four for Town soon after when Owen Ellis, Dermody and Ryan Crawford combined in a good passing move that saw Crawford’s final effort cleared off the line.
Witton ensured a nervy finish to the game when they grabbed another goal in the dying stages through Deakin.
Despite the referee adding seven minutes of injury-time, Warrington held firm to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Warrington Town res : Perkins, Parr (Taylor), Hall, Ward, Sinker, Brown, Ellis, Pithers (Crawford), Grogan, Dermody, Toone (Berry) Sub not used : Driscoll
