2003 Committee Cup match report

Sunday 4th May, the Walton and Kirkdale Committee Cup Final took place between The Aintree Hawks and Millers.

The conditions were perfect for a cup final on a sunny Sunday morning, with the pitch in excellent condition, roped off to keep back the swelling crowd and provided the stage for a final between two of the leagues most competitive sides out for end of season silverware.

Following a minutes silence for the tragic loss of Peter O'Brien the leagues Referee Liaison Officer, the tangerine headed Hawks kicked off the game in their changed 2003 strip. The first half of the game had it's share of missed chances from both sides with the Hawks securing much of the flow of play with a display of rewarding passing football much to the delight of the Hawks Coaching staff. Millers had two golden chances, the first being tipped onto the bar, while the second saved with the foot through the instinctive reactions of Tom Maher the Hawks keeper, before being cleared by the ever dependable Hawks defence of Henry Gibbs and Joe Clark. The Hawks pressed hard along their flanks spear headed by the battling Andy Hay, Daniel Alexander showing an array of delightful and skilfull turns in the centre of the Millers defence and the lightening Thomas Jump, tenaciously trying to find a chink in the Millers defence. The Hawks Account was opened by Jonathan Carhill with a driving free kick into the top corner of the net, which would have graced many a goal of the month options list, providing the Hawks with a 1-0 half time lead.

At 1-0 up at half time, the stage was set for the finale' and it did not disappoint. Following a half time substitution Lewis "The smiling Assassin" Downes and to strengthen the defence Liam Thornton entered the arena. The second goal following a barrage of shots was slotted away by Downes providing what the Hawks thought was a comfortable 2-0 lead. Millers had other ideas, with 8 minutes to go, Millers opened their account providing the catalyst for a come back. The goal rejuvenated the Millers team, calling upon the Hawks to dig deep under the wave of Millers corners and attacks. However with 3 minutes to go having saved a shot from Hay, the Millers keeper could only but watch as the "smiling" Downes put away a bottom corner shot to clinch the match for the Hawks.

The cup was presented by the leagues Bob Pendleton who remarked at the progression from "last years whipping boys" to the winning finalists. The final was also the last game for the Hawks Coach Ian Alexander, who was presented with a thankyou from the team for his commitment and inspiration to the team over the past 2 years. Ian's successor is John Hay.