U17's Win Warrington President Cup

Appleton U17's won the Presidents Cup Final against Haydock FC in a thrilling final that went to extra-time then a sudden death penalty shoot-out at Warrington Town FC on 10th May 2015.

From Photo:- Left to Right

Back Row:- Alex Rimmer, Danny Slough, Matt Butler, Joe Farmer,Euan Elder, Dan Richards (captain), Rob Farrell, Callum O'Callaghan, Kane Sullivan

Front Row:- Ben Sutcliffe, Ajay Jani, Ben Hall, Callum Begg and Matthew Clayton

The team was:-

• Goalkeeper - Callum O'Callaghan.
• Left Back - Ben Hall
• Centre Backs - Dan Richards (captain) and Rob Farrell (vice-captain)
• Right Back - Euan Elder
• Holding Midfielder - Matt Butler
• Centre Midfield - Kane Sullivan and Danny Slough
• Right Wing - Ben Sutcliffe
• Left Wing - Joe Farmer
• Centre Forward - Alex Rimmer
• Substitutes - Ajay Jani, Matthew Clayton and Callum Begg
• Unavailable - Ethan Jude

Short summary of the game.

Haydock were top of the league at the time and became League winners the following week, having only been beaten twice all season. However, in terms of results this season, Appleton (ABFC) had beaten Haydock 0-1 away and then drew at home. As such, ABFC had the best results against them during this season and knew they had a good chance.

Appleton suffered a blow within the first 5 minutes as centre forward Alex Rimmer had to come off due to a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Callum Begg at Centre forward. Haydock had most of the possession in the first 20 minutes, however Appleton had created the best chances. In the second part of the first half, everything was very equal and a very good battle with both teams showing good skill and 100% commitment. Appleton were playing with the wind in the second half and once again created the best chances. However both the defences particularly the goalkeepers made sure, with excellent performances, that at full time the score remained 0-0.

Within the first 2 minutes of extra time, Ben Sutcliffe ran down the right wing and into the box and his shot took a deflection into the back of the net. The first half of extra time remained quite even, however, in the second half Haydock threw everything at Appleton. Appleton continued to create good chances on the break to finish off the game, however it was the Appleton defence that had to stand firm under pressure. They did so until 2 minutes from the final whistle, when Haydock scored the equaliser from a corner. In an extremely tense and exciting end to the game, both teams had a chance each to win but the score remained 1-1 after extra-time.

Appleton won the toss and Dan Richards decided Appleton would take the first penalty. Unfortunately ABFC missed the first and Haydock scored the next 4 meaning that the ABFC goalkeeper, Callum O'Callaghan, had to save the penalty to take it to sudden death. He saved the penalty and then he was the number 6 penalty taker. He scored his penalty and then saved the next penalty to be mobbed by his team-mates celebrating a wonderful, well deserved victory and an end to a very good season.

The Chairman of Warrington League selected Callum O'Callaghan as Man of the match.