Stoney reach cup final after impressive show

3.24.59pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd May 2008

STONEY stormed into the Roden Cup final after a ruthless display against Bakewell's Red Lion.

The backbone of Stoney's victory was a solid defensive display with Ben Weston equal to any threat ably abetted by Martin Bite's aerial dominance, Fairey's hard tackling and Shaw's experience at right back served well.

Stoney opened the scoring through Fox with a thunderous drive. Captain Dan Hodgkinson led by example in midfield alongside the tireless Ridgeway whose creative input drove the visitors forward. Selfless running of wingers Cook and Josh Weston saw Stoney take a stranglehold.

Brassington stole past his marker only to see his dipping volley fly inches wide. Cook also went close to extending the lead when a fine passing move ended with his shot flying just wide of the post.

Red Lion attacked with desperation at the start of the second half and the Quarrymen were grateful to an excellent reflex save from Eric Bite low to his right.

Stoney put one foot into the final when Brassington out paced the Red Lion centre back and hit a thunderbolt into the top corner from twenty yards out to make it 2-0. Substitute Scott Thompson bolstered the midfield in the closing stages as Red Lion's never say die attitude kept the game on the boil.

However Stoney sealed the game when Townsend was brought down as he tussled with Red Lions keeper for a loose ball resulting in a penalty which was coolly dispatched into the bottom corner by Ryan Hodgkinson. At the final whistle Stoney celebrated a place in the final after a mature performance in which every player deserved credit.