Brian & Judith Bradley Memorial Cup Final
Silkstone United 0-1 Athersley Rec Reserves
Kyle Wordsworth was the last gasp hero for Athersley Rec Reserves after scoring with almost the last kick of the Final to win the Brian & Judith Bradley Memorial Cup for his side.
Wordsworth’s low finish inside the penalty area sparked scenes of unbridled jubilation with Rec players and substitutes running 50-odd yards to celebrate with the goal-scorer.
The Final was seconds away from a penalty shootout after a very tight and uneventful 90 minutes.
Although the final only saw the solitary goal, the game rounded off a wonderful day for the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League as their level of football was advertised to one of their biggest audiences ever.
400 people – who also attended the earlier League Cup semi-final between Dodworth and Swinton Athletic, watched the tight contest held at Dodworth’s wonderful facility.
The great and good from Non League and Step 7 football were present, including Wombwell Main chief Terry Simon, former Rec joint boss Jason Dodsworth, Worsbrough Bridge manager Luke Forgione and Handsworth midfielder, the avid Step 7 and grassroots football fan Rikki Paylor, among others.
The actual game itself was like a Barnsley Non League legends match
The Rec had the likes of Ryan and Adam White and the evergreen athlete Lee Garside playing key roles.
Silkstone had all their expected big guns playing – Gaz Hunter, Andrew McManus, Lewis Akeister, Nenad Smiljanic, Mitch Wilshire, Sam Scrivens and of course the Showman Ryan Poskitt. Ex-Glasshoughton Welfare favourite Mike Brearley also made a late cameo appearance to great acclaim and he oozed quality for Silkstone on his return from a four-game ban.
The very popular Showman had a difficult afternoon as he and Scrivens were well-marshalled by commanding Rec centre-half Dale Brettoner who was like England Internationals Tyrone Mings and Harry Maguire at the back for his side.
He was that good the Rec’s goalkeeper did not have a save to make.
Athersley had the best chances as Silkstone defender McManus twice cleared the ball off-the-line.
Perhaps a draw and penalties would have been fairer, but Athersley won’t care.
