Heywood Irish Centre retained the Barlow Cup and their 2-1 victory at the John Smith’s Stadium denied Berry Brow an historic double treble.

Berry Brow’s first team had already won the Division 1 title and the Huddersfield FA Challenge Cup while the 2nd team had secured the Reserve Division 1 title, the Huddersfield FA Trophy and the Richardson Cup.

But on the night, Heywood’s proved more clinical than Berry Brow. Berry Brow had plenty of the ball, worked up good moves resulting in several chances wasted.

The Barlow Cup final was back at the John Smith’s Stadium for the first time in years and the crowd of 456 saw Berry Brow dominate early exchanges. But chances were missed, and Heywood’s keeper Finlay Madigan was in great form throughout the game.

Kyle Walton had a chance to put Berry Brow ahead from the penalty spot but missed the target and Heywood’s took advantage when in a goalmouth scramble Kieron Mayall put them ahead from close range on 28 minutes. Ten minutes later, Heywood’s were down to 10 men when Alan Elvidge was dismissed after two yellow cards.

Berry Brow continued to create chances in the second half and drew level on 67 minutes when Wayne Shooter clipped the ball over the Heywood’s keeper from close range.

But Heywood’s ensured they kept hold of the trophy they won last year when Nathan Eastwood took advantage of sloppy play by Berry Brow when he outran the Brow defence from halfway to drill home the winner.

The man of the match award went to Tom Mellor from Heywood’s who was presented with the Frank Beaumont trophy by guest presenter Ann Hough, Operations Manager of KSDL.

On Saturday, the League fixtures were completed when Heywood Irish Centre beat Dalton Dynamos 6-0 and Berry Brow beat Skelmanthorpe 4-0. After the match, League President Margaret Whitaker and League Chair Neville Wordsworth presented Berry Brow with the League Division 1 Championship shield.

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