Highgate win historic league and cup double - The Solihull Observer

Highgate win historic league and cup double

Solihull Editorial 14th May, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

AN HISTORIC double was completed by Highgate after they thrashed Redditch 5-1 to triumph in the Smedley Crooke Memorial Challenge Cup Final.

Highgate added to their Midland League Division One title by lifting the cup after defeating a young, yet spirited Redditch side.

A hat-trick from Ricardo Richards and further goals from Tyrone Smith and Danny Rolfe cancelled out skipper Trevor Edwards’ first half own goal.

Lei Brown volleyed an early chance wide as Gate demonstrated their attacking intent from the off before Brown curled a second shot just beyond the far upright.




Gate were well on top early on and took a 15th minutes lead when Ton Lacey played a long pass out of defence towards Richards who hit a cross to the far post where Smith slid in to convert the opener.

Richards missed a chance himself before his first on 23 minutes. Brown and Josh Hawker combined to set up Richards who found a gap to beat young Ryan Young in the Redditch goal.


Dominant Gate were good value for their two-goal cushion but a rare and isolated Redditch attack was to lead to a goal being pulled back.

Dior Angus fired in a 27th minute cross from wide on the right and in looking to prevent the ball reaching Matt Fearon Edwards guided an intended 20-yard headed clearance past the stranded Bradley Catlow.

The two-goal margin was restored on the stroke of half time however when at first Young saved well from Smith but he was unable to prevent Richards from drilling home the rebound.

Despite being well on top and with Catlow a virtual spectator, it was a more subdued Gate who continued to dominate after the break.

Smith set up Richards for a shot that rolled in at the far post but his effort was ruled out because of an offside infringement.

With the game needing a lift Richards duly obliged by finding the back of the net direct from a 78th minute 20-yard free kick to secure his third goal of the game and 35th of the campaign.

Young was quickly off his line to snatch Connor Mooney’s through ball off Smith’s toes and Nathan Edgington went close with a volley off King’s headed pass.

But it was Rolfe who completed the scoring late on. The substitute cut in on Brown’s astute pass before firing a shot low into Young’s bottom right-hand corner for his first ever goa for the club to complete a successful season for Ashley Pulisciano’s side.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Solihull Observer.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Advertising

Advertise with the Solihull Observer to reach your audience