Football: Cup joy as Maxwell's outfit end challenge of holders

MARCHINGTON marked their return to action following the extended break by ending Tean Albion's defence of the Ken Green Memorial Trophy.

The reigning Division One champions started brightly and Sam Gibbs caused havoc from the off with some surging runs down the left flank. But Tean were first to gain a sight at goal when Karl Allcock let fly from distance and saw his long-range drive fly over the bar.

The hosts responded and a succession of corners eventually saw Matt Jackson power a drive at goal. Visiting keeper Dan Amos pulled off an excellent save, but defender Mark Thompson was on hand to stab home from close range.

Martin Gadsby nearly doubled the advantage minutes later, but his header from Rory Maxwell's set-piece was off target.

Albion tried to break up Marchington's free-flowing style by conceding a host of free-kicks, but the home side refused to be rattled and they grabbed the crucial second goal on 60 minutes.

Thompson played in Gadsby down the right and the midfielder tricked his way past the Tean full-back before firing a low drive across the face of goal. Maxwell was ready for a simple tap-in, but a desperate lunge by the Tean defender resulted in an own goal.

Marchington were in cruise control and it took a consolation strike from the visiting winger to bring the Silver Lane outfit back to life.

Maxwell, Gibbs and McCann all went close to extending the lead, but in the end it wasn't required.

Marchington manager Bob Maxwell said: "First 20 minutes I thought we looked sharp, but the pitch wasn't great today which suited them more than us and from then on we looked a little scrappy at times.

"Tean have won this cup twice in a row and so to knock them out, especially after a six-week lay-off, is pleasing.

"If we can get a run of games in and start getting into our groove I think will see some better performances, but a win is a win so I have to be happy."

Marchington had another reason to celebrate on Sunday after current leaders Red Lion dropped their first points of the season away to Cheadle Cricket Club. Sunday's 2-2 draw leaves Marchington nine points behind Lion, but the reigning champions have one game in hand and have yet to face the leaders in their return match.

This weekend Marchington host lowly Academy AC at Silver Lane. The match is a 10.30am kick-off.

Sunday's Opulence man-of-the match award went to Marchington keeper Alex Langridge.