By Aidan Hopson
Super sub Declan James came off the bench to seal a come-from-behind victory for Laund Hill in the final of the Groom Cup.
Kirkburton were 2-0 up and had one hand on the trophy until a late turnaround completed by man of the match James saw Laund Hill clinch a 3-2 victory.
This was the first of four Huddersfield & District Association Football League cup finals, a game played at the Stafflex Arena, Storthes Hall.
Kirkburton opened the scoring with skipper Henry Philpott putting the Reds ahead in the first half with a thumping header that gave the Laund Hill keeper no chance.
Daniel Lockwood made it 2-0 with a well struck shot from open play midway through the second period to give Kirkburton what appeared to be a commanding lead.
However, Laund Hill staged a late rally and goals from Jimmy Knowles and Craig Burns levelled the scoreline to set up a nail-biting finish.
Second half substitute and man of the match James rifled home the winner from inside the box with only minutes remaining.
The match was well-managed by referee Tom Mallon, assisted by Shakeel Allad and Joe Wink-Simmonds.
Man of the match James was presented with the Geoff Earnshaw Shield after the game.
Before kick-off Mrs Margaret Whitaker, the first ever Lady President of the Huddersfield & District Association Football League, had a photograph taken with the two teams and match officials to mark the occasion.
