Alwoodley 0 Rawdon Old Boys 2

RAWDON Old Boys lifted the prestigious West Riding County FA Challenge Cup after winning a well-contested final at Woodlesford.

Having previously secured the West Yorkshire League Division One title it crowned a great season for the club.

But their joy was tempered by striker Chris Softley suffering a broken leg while scoring the second goal.

It was therefore a nice touch that he was a unanimous choice as man of the match.

The game was decided by two goals notched inside the first ten minutes of the second half.

The first came from a free kick awarded at the edge of the penalty area, which Daz Nicholls headed home with a deft flick.

The second goal came when a pass from an Alwoodley players was intercepted.

Rawdon galloped down the right and a brilliant low cross was turned into the net by Softley to make the score 2-0.

The player was badly injured in the act of scoring and the game was halted for 30 minutes while he was treated.

After the restart, following the serious injury, little quarter was taken or given but suddenly Alwoodley found a late spring in their step and forced Rawdon on to the defensive with the Rawdon keeper also in fine form as he dominated his area.

Alwoodley, who have been the competition's surprise package, had started the game well and had a shot cleared off the line.

Rawdon came more into the game and dominated the last 20 minutes of the first half. Only the athletic keeping of Damien Brodowski kept Alwoodley in the game.

Despite Alwoodley changes Rawdon hit Alwoodley hard early in the second half with their two well-taken goals.