THE IVY HOTEL won the BIRTWISTLE CUP FINAL with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over FEILDENS ARMS at the Anchor Ground Darwen. This was the culmination of a wonderful season for The Ivy Hotel completing the Treble of the Premiership Championship, Sports Council Cup and Birtwistle Cup. They won all 18 of their league games scoring 121 goals whilst conceding only 21 and won 8 cup games to win the two cups scoring 54 goals whilst conceding only 7.

The Birtwistle Cup Final started very quietly with both teams retaining possession for long periods. The first attack of note came from Feildens when a long ball down the centre of the field was flicked on by Simon Hodgkiss for Stuart Durnan who attempted to lob the keeper, Ryan Casey, who saved high above his head. The Ivy responded with a free kick taken by Louis Kaczalski but again did not trouble Feildens Tom Holding.

In the 23rd minute The Ivy took the lead when a long ball down the wing from Scott Kelly was helped on by Gary Smith to Carl Mercer, who finished well.

Feildens Arms had no chance to reply before The Ivy increased their lead.  The ball was played between Louis Kaczalski and Shaun Watson who played the ball into the path of Kemal Elfetesi. His shot was well saved by Tom Holding but the rebound fell to Gary Smith who needed no second chance and drilled the ball home.

The game was becoming fractious with several meaty challenges culminating in a spat between Louis Kaczalski and Jordan Khan who both ended up in referee Erik Lawrenson’s book.This seemed to calm the game down.

The Feildens had a chance to get back into the game when Stuart Durnan turned quickly and shot towards goal. His effort was pushed for a corner by Ryan Casey.  The ball was played into the 6 yard box and pinged between various players.  Ben Parker had a snapshot that was cleared up field by a relieved Jamie Watson.

The Ivy continued to push forward and Louis Kaczalski had a great run, crossed well but Kemal Elfetsesi couldn’t control the ball and his effort went wide.

The Feildens were now pushing hard and two great runs by Stuart Durnan and Simon Hodgkiss both turned in good efforts but could not beat Ryan Casey in the Ivy goals.  Just as half time approached, The Ivy struck a killer blow to go 3 up.  A great ball from Jamie Watson found Gary Smith free in the penalty box and he made no mistake from close range.

This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Feildens who conceded again early in the second half. A nothing ball into the box dropped loose to Paul Egan who drove in to give Tom Holding no chance and the game was all but up.

The game was meandering to a conclusion when, in the 80th minute The Ivy brought on veteran Carl Scott for a farewell appearance. Carl had his chance to finish off his Ivy career with a penalty after Carl Smith was brought down by Matt Hodgkiss.  It was not to be however and a fine save from Tom Holding denied Scott his moment of glory.

There was still time for Tom Holding to repeat his heroics when the same player gave away another penalty and this time Carl Mercer was denied. Referee Erik Lawrenson then brought the Blackburn Combination season to its conclusion.

Carl Mercer was nominated and presented with the Man of the Match award by Colin Brindle Combination Vice Chairman. The trophies were presented by Birtwistle Cup Sponsor Ian Wright of Mill Hill Car Centre. The game was refereed by Erik Lawrenson with James Sykes Senior Assistant Referee, Joshua Robson Assistant Referee and George Brignall 4th Official.

See Photo Album for Birtwistle Cup Photos