Ingleton 0 Rimington 3

The excellent condition of the Skipton Town AFC pitch was a credit to the club in their preparation for last Friday’s final following a game the previous evening.

The recent heavy rain had left large areas of standing water on Friday morning but a drying wind and a lot of hard work provided a fine playing surface.

The players also had the benefit for playing in front of a good-sized crowd which was swelled by large numbers of Ingleton followers.

Rimington had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half which tested the defensive qualities of Ingleton.

Veteran goalkeeper Ian Kellett showed that he had lost none of his qualities with his sure handling which was backed up by solid performances at the heart of the defence from Dave Easterby and John Platten.

Ingleton took the game to the holders but were unable to pierce the solid Rimington defence.

Goalkeeper Graham Kershaw, in his 13th season with the club, showed the handling qualities which have been the backbone of his club’s success down the years.

After a scoreless first half Ingleton had a early chance which was not taken.

Gradually, Rimington came more into the game and several substitutions enabled them to change their formation.

Ingleton came under increasing pressure as Rimington started to play the flowing football that they have become renowned for.

When Ingleton failed to clear their lines, Gary Hickling scored with a crisp shot.

As Ingleton pushed forward in search of a leveller the defence was exposed and midfielder Glen Dinsdale exploited the gaps with a brace of goals as Rimington won the cup for a third-successive year. Rimington’s Tom Benfield was awarded the Ronnie Jones man of match trophy.