By Neil Atkinson
Heywood Irish Centre retained the Barlow Cup – and their 2-1 victory at the John Smith’s Stadium denied Berry Brow an historic double treble.
Brow’s first team had already won the Division 1 title and the FA Challenge Cup while the 2nd team had secured the Reserve Division 1 title, the FA Trophy and the Richardson Cup.
But on the night, Heywoods proved more clinical than Brow, with countless chances wasted by Brow.
The final was back at the John Smith’s Stadium for the first time in years and the crowd of 456 saw Brow dominate early exchanges. But chances were fluffed and Heywoods keeper Finlay Madigan was in great form.
Kyle Walton had a chance to put Brow ahead from the penalty spot but missed the target and Heywoods took advantage when Kieron Mayall put them ahead from close range on 28 minutes. Ten minutes later, his side was down to 10 men when Alan Elvidge was dismissed after two yellow cards.
Brow continued to create chances in the second half and drew level on 67 minutes when Wayne Shooter clipped home from close range.
But Heywoods ensured they kept hold of the trophy they won last year when Nathan Eastwood took advantage of mistakes in the Brow defence to drill home the winner.
Scroll our gallery of images by Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
