Champions Claregate target double success
Claregate Park Rangers are the newly-crowned Beacon Sunday league champions – and this weekend they have a possible double in their sights.
The club that joined the Redbox Signmakers Beacon Championship four years ago ended Dynamo Dudley’s dominance by securing the coveted league prize this week, writes Dave McLean.
Although their final game was awarded to them after scheduled opponents Kurdish United were unable to fulfil the fixture, Claregate got their thoroughly-deserved celebrations under way, with team boss Gary Cooper insisting: “We are now going for the double.”
This Sunday, Claregate take on Paycare Development Division runners-up Bloxwich Rangers U21s in the league’s flagship NDT Midlands-sponsored Lester Charity Cup final at AFC Wulfrunians’ ground (3pm).
Cooper, reflecting on a hard-fought campaign that only saw them suffer two defeats, both at the hands of three time winners Dynamo, said he was very proud of his charges.
“I couldn’t be more happier for the lads. They have shown what we are all about with their commitment, effort and consistency.
“The effort and graft they’ve shown has been superb. The lads have really worked hard for this league prize.”
Free-scoring Claregate have led the way superbly and ‘we’ve also ground out results when we’ve had to’, added Cooper.
Claregate’s impressive form has also brought to an end Dynamo’s dominance on the Beacon front – the Dudley outfit were chasing a record fourth consecutive league title.
In the Paycare Development Division, FC Premier U21s clinched third spot in their first season with a 4-0 home success over AFC Sporting Gornal, who have to settle for fourth place.
In the end-of-season Cater Invitation Trophy, there were respective wins for Cannock United and Beacon Lions over Dudley Rangers United (5-3) and AFC Springfield (6-1).
Dan Mayo was spot on with two penalties for Cannock, who also had George Swain, Zak Ranford and Hugh Burrows finding the net. The replies were from Aaron Jones, Joe Snape and Sam Collier.
The Lions hit Springfield for six thanks to Kieron Grew, Tom Withington (both two), Adam Skelton and Jordan Kelly. Mo Umaad Rehman responded.
Cannock have completed their fixtures whereas Beacon require a last-match victory over Sporting Gornal to take the trophy on goal difference.
Coseley-based Beacon are also looking forward to a clash with Kurdish in the Wilkes Tranter Chell Cup final at AFC Wulfrunians on May 2 (7.45pm).
