Saddle enjoy Gledhill glory

The Saddle celebrate their win after getting the better of Highfield Social

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There was no upset in the 51st showpiece final of the Blackpool and Fylde Sunday Alliance knockout competition as the Premier League side overcame their First Division opponents.

Saddle took the lead after only three minutes, when Henry Wright headed home Jordan Wood’s cross.

And although Saddle created numerous chances to add to their tally, they did not do so until stoppage time, when Danny Morris broke clear to double the lead and seal the spoils.

Until that point, a competitive Social side were always in the game, though they struggled to trouble Saddle keeper Jamie Cook.

His opposite number Josh Woods was the busier keeper, denying Morris with a fine save on 23 minutes.

Morris then turned provider just past the half-hour, releasing Jarred Bain whose shot hit the side-netting.

Stephen Hughes’ through-ball provided Highfield’s most threatening moment of the first half, though keeper Cook beat Craig Worrall to the ball.

After the break, keeper Woods kept Highfield in the contest with fine saves to deny Wood and to keep out a Morris free-kick.

Wood went close again when released by man of the match Joe Booth but shot just wide.

The closest First Division high-flyers Highfield came to an equaliser was 12 minutes from time, when Lee Barker’s shot was deflected over for a corner, from which Matty Wannell headed just over.

As time ran out, Woods again excelled to deny Will Robinson but Morris wrapped up the win moments later.