DEAN Richards' clinical finish gave Cartmel a deserved 1-0 victory over Walney United in an entertaining Furness Senior Cup final, at Barow's Holker Street ground on Monday.

Richards struck 10 minutes into the second half and also deserved credit for winning the corner which led to the goal.

Joel Drinkall flicked on Ben Clarke's inswinging corner and Richards controlled the ball before lashing it home.

A scrappy opening 20 minutes had been followed by periods of dominance by both sides and Cartmel's best chance of the half was John Burton's header, which drew a superb save from the Walney keeper.

Walney were awarded a penalty for hands 10 minutes before the break, but veteran keeper Ian Taylor sprang to his left to produce a magnificent save.

This was the catalyst for Cartmel to take control of the game and Richards' strike was a just reward for their domination.

Walney threw everything at Cartmel and in the closing minutes nearly snatched an equaliser when a 20-yard shot crashed against the post.

It was, however, Cartmel skipper Craig Davidson who lifted the cup which Cartmel last won in 1998.

A midweek 4-1 victory over Burton Thistle gave Slyne-Hest their first-ever North Lancashire League Premier Division Championship.

In Division One, Allithwaite Rangers went into their final game knowing a win over lowly Storeys Reserves would secure promotion, but they went a goal down within 45 seconds.

Lacklustre Allithwaite struggled to string passes together in the first half, although they were given a lifeline three minutes from half time with a penalty award.

Unfortunately, Craig Turner missed from the spot for the first time this season.

Ten minutes after the break Storeys struck the bar, then Roly Dean also hit the woodwork at the other end.

Towards the end Allithwaite played their best football, but several chances went begging and 1-0 defeat let in Boys Club for the promotion spot as runners-up to Arnside, who rounded off their season as Colin Wilkes netted in a 1-1 draw with Vine.

Ingleton Reserves hit a rich vein of late season form. They beat Westgate Wanderers 2-0 with goals from Teddy Harrison and Michael Russell.

On Thursday they took time out from league action to win the Craven and District Junior Cup 3-0.

They completely outclassed Skipton LMS in this replay with goals by man of the match Teddy Harrison, James Earnshaw and a Ben Jackson penalty.

The Division Two title is still not decided as joint favourites Cartmel Reserves and Slyne-Hest Reserves drew 2-2.

Cartmel led 1-0 at half-time through an Alistair Daggart goal. Ian Palwanker equalised for Slyne-Hest and then they took a 2-1 lead through a Michael Evans goal. With five minutes remaining Cartmel deservedly equalised through Brian Lowery.

In Division Four outstanding newcomers Highgrove were without four first-choice players, but were still too good for inexperienced Allithwaite Rangers Reserves and won 6-2, Steve Gudgeon scoring both of Allithwaite's goals.

Results:

Monday

Craven Junior Cup final, replay: Ingleton Reserves 3, Skipton LMS 0.

Wednesday

Premier Division: Morecambe Royals 0, St Martin's College 1; Phoenix Celtic 4, Storeys 3; Slyne-Hest 4, Burton Thistle 1.

Division One: Ingleton Reserves 1, Marsh United Reserves 1; Vine 1, Arnside 1.

Division Two: Cartmel Reserves 0, Torrisholme Reserves 0.

Division Three: Holme Athletic Reserves 0, Allithwaite Reserves 2.

Saturday

Premier Division: Morecambe Royals 1, Slyne-Hest 1; Phoenix Celtic 4, Storeys 3.

Division One: Ingleton Reserves 2, Westgate Wanderers 0; Storeys Reserves 1, Allithwaite Rangers 0; Vine 1, Arnside 1.

Division Two: Slyne-Hest Reserves 2, Cartmel Reserves 2.

Division Three: Burton Thistle Reserves 1, Boys Club Reserves 4; Highgrove 6, Allithwaite Reserves 2.

May 9, 2003 13:00