Blackhurst Budd take their treble chance

Blackhurst Budd celebrate Gledhill Cup final victory

League champions Budd, who also won the Berry’s Beds Premier Division Cup the previous weekend, were convincing 4-0 winners in the Alliance’s annual showpiece at Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road.

The final was fittingly contested between the league’s top two, as the early exchanges brought few chances.

Ash Robinson had a shot blocked for Additions and Danny Morris fired wide at the other end.

Additions keeper Kyle Morris pulled off a stunning save to keep his team on terms but Blackhurst broke the deadlock six minutes before the interval.

Michael Clark’s free-kick was headed in with a flicked header by Nick Greenall.

The champions dominated possession in the second half and doubled their lead when Tarren Moxon curled a shot home from 25 yards.

Liam Frend smashed an effort against the bar and Moxon went close again before Budd made it 3-0 on 73 minutes.

Ben Seear released Frend, who did remarkably well to keep the ball in play and drill a shot home from a tight angle.

Robinson thought he had pulled one back but was denied by an offside flage.

Budd then iced their cake with a fourth goal from the last kick of the game, Will Watt curling an effort into the top corner.

Duncan Bennett was named sponsors’ man of the match.

Blackhurst manager Andy Speight was delighted, even if he felt the final score flattered his side a little.

He told The Gazette: “It was a great season and a tremendous effort from everyone. I loved every minute.

“We know what to expect from Additions. They are always up for it against us and they always give us a tight game. The first half was very tight and to nick a goal just before half-time was a killer blow.

“We tried to keep the ball better in the second half and make them run around more, but it took two late goals to seal it.”

And Speight has already set his target for next year. He added: “We want to defend those three trophies and add the county cup too.

“Our only defeat all season was in the semi-final of Lancashire FA Cup, so we want to win all four next year.”