Neston Nomads were beaten 2-0 by Dock AFC in the Cheshire Sunday Cup final.
It ended an excellent cup run for Neston who had hammed AFC Prestbury 9-0 in the semi-final.
A controversial referee’s decision at 0-0 saw striker Luke Blondel pulled down by Dock centre half as he was through on goal, however the referee deemed it a fair challenge and play carried on.
Docks then found themselves 1-0 up with a towering header from Matt Carlin.
The tie was tight, and although Docks found themselves in the lead, this game could still swing either way.
Another header changed the game.
Docks Kie Hamm converted after a peach of a set piece saw them take a 2-0 lead by half time.
This goal put the game to bed, as Docks defended well enough to keep their lead and become Cheshire Sunday Cup winners.
Callum Blondel, Neston forward, said after: “I was confident coming in, we all were, especially of the back of a 9-0 win in the semis.
“The decision in the first half on Luke was a tough one to take as if that goes our way it takes them to 10 men at 0-0.
“As a team we are proud to be here as it is, and it hurts to see Docks lift the trophy, but were proud of the results we’ve gained along the way and we want to be back here again next year to win it.
“The lads will all be gutted we’ve not take it home today, but it will spur us on to go again next season, smash the league and our cup runs and prove how good a side we really are.”
(Featured image courtesy of @nestonnomadsfc)
