Berry Brow's Bren guns down Newsome in Barlow Cup Final

By Aidan Hopson

Joe Brennan struck a brilliant free-kick to help Berry Brow lift the Barlow Cup for the first time in their history.

Brennan smashed home what proved to be the winner as Berry Brow beat Newsome 2-1 at the Skye Direct Stadium, home of Golcar United.

The game started quietly as both teams weighed each other up but Berry Brow soon seized the initiative creating several half chances without success.

After 15 minutes, Berry Brow worked the ball out wide and a deep cross to the edge of the box was hit by Thomas Oakes on the volley into the roof of the net for the opening goal.

Berry Brow continued to press and kept Newsome struggling to mount any form of attack. The Newsome keeper was kept busy as Berry Brow tried to maintain their advantage.

In the 40^th minute Berry Brow were awarded a free kick about 10 yards outside of the penalty area. Brennan stepped up and fired home into the bottom corner.

The second half was much more even as Newsome made changes to try and get back into the game. The introduction of a couple of pacy Newsome forwards gave the Berry Brow defence a bit of work to do.

With time added on being played Newsome got a late consolation when a Kyle Walton free-kick was deflected past the Berry Brow goalkeeper.

The game was well managed by referee Mick Denton and his assistants Michael Coles, Gareth Thomas and Umar Ahmed.

Brennan was awarded the Frank Beaumont Trophy for man of the match.