By Ethan Hoijord
Photo by Paul Bartlett
Vauxhall Motors won the 2023 NWCFL Challenge Cup Final as they beat Congleton Town 3-1.
The game came a few days after a narrow defeat against a strong Crewe Alexandra side in midweek, where the effort could certainly not be questioned as Michael Burkey fell to his feet after missing a chance just before the final whistle blew.
Both sides started quickly at The VanEupen Arena on Saturday afternoon as they were both aiming to edge themselves in front.
Congleton won the Macron Cup last season against Bacup thus were great opponents.
Motors striker Lewis Buckley came very close to finding the back of the net, leaving the visiting keeper grounded with a powerful shot that rose slightly over the crossbar.
However, it was fellow forward Michael Burkey that opened the scoreline ten minutes later with a fantastic strike from outside the area that flew into the bottom corner.
A great block by Ben Dufton-Kelly kept his side in the lead at the break, Mick McGraa’s defence remaining solid.
New recruit Stephen Rigby, who had been impressing with his forward runs, thought he had doubled his sides lead as he placed the ball into the back of the net before seeing that the official had his flag raised.
Congleton were starting to place themselves into better areas though, forcing themselves through The Motormen’s backline and they received a penalty as their reward which was struck powerfully past Sam Booth to level the tie.
Dufton-Kelly should have put his side into the lead as a Rigby free kick was swung into the back post but David Parton came out to block the header excellently.
Congleton were continuing to apply pressure at the other end and were left kicking themselves as they counted the amount of great chances missed.
Needing firepower and legs to find a goal, Joe Brandon and Jordan Deer came on to replace Sean Moscrop and Lewis Buckley.
This worked as the ball found itself near the visitors box, Ethan Gouldbourne unleashing a beautiful strike with his left foot from outside the area to resume his side’s lead.
The visitors were getting frustrated and were booked for diving not too soon after the full-backs goal and to put the game out of doubt Deer used his quick thinking to take the ball around the keeper before placing the ball into an empty net.
The NWCFL Challenge Cup Final adds to the positive momentum from last season as Vauxhall continue their preparations for the league season with two upcoming friendlies against Colwyn Bay and Marine.
VAUXHALL MOTORS TEAM, managed by Mick McGraa: Sam Booth, Ethan Gouldbourne, Sean Smith, Sean Moscrop (66′), Tom Mitchell, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Michael Burkey (83’), Haydn Cooper, Lewis Buckley (66′), Stephen Rigby, Conor Harwood (83’). SUBS: Marcus James, Adam Hughes (83’), Joe Brandon (66′), George Nugent (83’), Jordan Deer (66′).