The stage is set for an exciting Willie Hall final between Newark Alliance Premier League teams Rose and Crown and Holy Trinity
The stage is set for an exciting Willie Hall final on May 14 after two semi-finals determined who will meet in the last match to determine the winner of the Willie Hall Trophy.
Newark Alliance Premier League champions Rose and Crown have had a stellar season remaining undefeated in their division.
The side defeated RHP 2-0 in their semi-final of the Willie Hall to secure their spot at Station Road, Collingham for the final.
Goals for Tyler Martin and Daryl Price sealed the deal for the league champions against a resilient RHP firsts team.
Cal Barnes, the Rose and Crown manager said that it had been an eventful journey for the club.
"Reaching the Willie Hall Cup final has been a long time coming for us," said Barnes.
"We have previously made it to the semi-final, last year we got knocked out at the quarter-final stage and now we have finally made it to the final.
"This is the trophy all of the players want to win and I am sure the game between us and Holy Trinity will be a good one.
"The lads are keen to win the league and another competition as a double for the third consecutive season."
Holy Trinity defeated highly capable Trent Albion to secure their berth in the final, defeating the side across the pitch at the same time Rose and Crown secured their victory.
A good crowd was in attendance to watch Holy Trinity win 3-0 thanks to goals from Liam Moran, Daniel Oliver, and Jordan Sowerby.
Holy Trinity manager Marc Harvey said the game burst into life in the 22nd minute after Jason Thurlby set up Liam Moran with a beautiful through ball.
"Moran then cut inside past the defender and got his finish past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0," said Harvey.
"In the 31st minute, Dan Oliver finished off a good passing move to make it 2-0 which is where it stayed until half-time.
"Into the second-half and Jordan Sowerby played the ball out to the left wing for Callum Goodge who beat his defender and cut the ball back to Sowerby to hit it in off the post from the edge of the box to put us up 3-0.
"Holy Trinity controlled the rest of the game to 3-0 against a tough Trent Albion side who never gave up.
"The win sees us progress to our third cup final of the season in May."
Harvey said he was looking forward to playing Rose and Crown in the final of the Willie Hall Cup.
“It should be a good final, between two teams both full of quality," said Harvey.
"We played them the other week and played out a 0-0 draw, so no doubt it will be a tight affair in the final."
"The final looks like it will be a very entertaining affair with two of our Premier Clubs competing to get their names on our prestigious trophy for the first time," said Dennis Rawle, the secretary of the Newark Alliance.
"This is Rose and Crown’s first time in the final and Holy Trinity will be looking to go one better than they did in 1987/88 when they were defeated by Greyhounders.
"Whatever happens the Alliance would like to congratulate both teams on a great season."
