John (Knocker) West Memorial Trophy
Phoenix Utd picked up their first trophy since joining the NDSFL 2 seasons ago, with this win in the LEAGUE FOUR CHALLENGE TROPHY Final at the Pingles Stadium. The sun came through after the snow over the last few days, put the game in doubt. Phoenix had the first chance when LEWIS SPENCER headed over from a cornier. quickly followed by a shot from NICK ASHBY which tipped onto the bar, in what was a very even first 15 minutes.
The game was toing and frowning but it was not until deep into first half injury time that the stalemate was broken when JOSH SMITH forced the ball home from a goalmouth scramble to give the Hinckley team a half time lead.
After the break, it was the battle of the midfields, on 47 minutes CRAIG BLISS went close for Griff, and with them on top it looked like it would not be to long before they would get level. With Griff now on top the resilience of Phoenix kept them in front, and on 75 minutes JOSH SMITH got on the end of a through ball from JOSH HOOKING for his and Phoenix's second. Phoenix were now on top, LUKE ROBINSON went close as did JOSH HOOKING in the 88tt minute. Griff kept going to the end, but it was PHEONIX UTD's Day.
The game was excellently controlled by Referee Neil Love, and his team, Mick Wileman, Will Maddern and Ashley Bonner.
Both Clubs were a credit to themselves and the League, with RESPECT being the order of the day "WELL DONE"
