HAWCOAT Park are the toast of the Furness amateur scene following their dramatic Presidents Cup final victory.

Park beat Haslingden St Mary’s 5-4 on penalties under the floodlights at Charnock Richard FC to claim a prized piece of silverware.

An exciting match between the two West Lancs League Division One sides finished 2-2 ,and the teams were locked at 4-4 in the shootout before Hawcoat keeper Sam Stephens made the decisive save, and young Ben Stoker struck the winning penalty to kick-start the celebrations.

Hawcoat went behind early on after a rash tackle by player/manager Scott Ellis resulted in a penalty, which was converted.

Park equalised when Nathan Reid cut in from the right flank and fired home an unstoppable shot.

And they were 2-1 in front before half-time when Christian Sloan met a looping ball with an overhead kick to send the travelling supporters wild.

Haslingden equalised in a pulsating second half and then things got worse when Hawcoat were reduced to 10 men after a second booking for Ollie Maguire.

However, they stood firm and even produced the best chance to win the game when Elliot Moore’s shot hit the post.

With 90 minutes up on the clock, it all came down to the shootout.

Hawcoat’s route to the final had seen them win all their previous fixtures on penalties, so they were by no means entering unchartered territory.

After four penalties apiece, the score was 4-4 and then Stephens chose the right way and saved Haslingden’s fifth.

All eyes were on youngster Stoker, and he showed nerves of steel to fire the winning penalty home. Park’s other penalties were scored by Zach Walker, Sloan, Martin Paterson and Moore.

Jubilant Hawcoat assistant manager Stu Walker said: “The support on the night was fantastic and really made it a special occasion.

“It’s 21 years since we have won a major final and it was this same competition.

“The lads deserve the trophy as they worked really hard against a good Haslingden team that is looking for promotion to the Premier Division.”

Midweek action in the West Lancs Premier Division saw Vickerstown 1-0 up against Crooklands Casuals when the referee blew up for bad light with just over five minutes left on the watch.

Sean Paterson scored the Vickerstown goal with an exquisite lob.

The same happened in the Division One game with Millom 4-1 up against Furness Rovers. Ben McDonald and Carl Waters scored two apiece.

GSK Ulverston Rangers continued their recent good form with a 2-0 win over neighbours Dalton United.

The victory boosts Rangers’ survival hopes, while at the same time putting a big dent in United’s.

Swarthmoor were beaten 4-3 at home by Kendal County. Phil Edmondson (2) and Luke Dixon scored for Swarthmoor.

Wednesday night saw the return of the awful weather and most of the scheduled Furness Premier League games fell foul of the rain.

Top played bottom as Hawcoat Park reserves beat Furness Rovers reserves 5-0 thanks to goals from Luke Mitchell, Carl McKay, Jake Stockdale, Lewis Turner and Aidan Murphy.

Second-placed Kirkby drew 2-2 with Haverigg United.

Tom Wildgoose and Matt Jackson scored for Kirkby, with Bradley Mayne and John Chmiel replying.