Hat-trick hero Tighe wins cup for New Linden

Despite the strong wind, the sides produced a thrilling final with Linden storming into a 3-0 lead with the wind at their backs through Tighe, Josh Brentnall and Brett Watson, only to see Prince Charles tie it back up before the end of 90 minutes with replies by Tom Prince, Ryan Bunce and Jordan Simpson in a gutsy fightback.

However, man of the match Tighe completed his hat-trick in extra-time with a penalty and a stunning free kick to clinch victory.

Skipper Lewis Croucher received the Kevin Rowan Trophy afterwards from league secretary Kath Rowan.

Linden boss Michael Merriman said: “It was a brilliant final, proper Sunday morning with some good football in the conditions.

“The wind was horrendous and made it the old game of two halves. I don’t think we took proper advantage of it.

“They should have been dead and buried at 3-0, but good on them for fighting their way back into it. They did get a couple of lucky goals, but we all need a bit of luck. In extra-time there was only one winner.”

Linden can now complete the double by winning the Premier Division title if they can see off nearest rivals Rifle Volunteer this Sunday.

Sunday also sees the league’s Intermediate Cup final as Derwent take on Unwin Rovers at Forest Town Welfare (1.30pm).

In league action last weekend AFC Bull Farm clinched the Division One title with a 2-0 win over Robin Hood White while Unwin Rovers are Division Four champions, an S. Lyon hat-trick seeing them home 3-2 at Cuckoo Birch.