The curtain came down on the Furness Premier League season last Friday night, as newly-crowned champions Croftlands Park were thrashed 5-0 by Kirkby United in the final of the Paul Wilson Memorial Trophy.

Kirkby went into the game at Holker Old Boys’ Rakesmoor Lane ground knowing this was their last chance of securing some silverware on the back of a strong season in the league and started off the stronger of the two teams.

After only ten minutes of action, the dangerous Paul Cleasby crossed for Sam Pinnegor to turn the ball home for a 1-0 lead.

A lead Kirkby never looked like losing was doubled before the break when Sean Gardner headed home from a corner.

The half-time team talks would have been very different from the managers, but with Croftlands playing down the slope in the second half the message surely was the next goal would be vital.

Kirkby, though, were in no mood to make it a tight contest and minutes after the restart, chief tormentor Cleasby slotted home following excellent work by Pinnegor.

Croftlands were trying in vain to get a foothold in the match but Cleasby struck a fourth from the edge of the box to take the wind out of Croftlands sails.

In the dying minutes, Joe Kavanagh sealed a 5-0 win when he headed in another great cross. Cleasby was voted man of the match.

There were still some formalities to finish off in the West Lancashire League as Vickerstown lost 3-0 at Haslingden St Marys. However, they can be proud of a top-six finish in a highly competitive league.

Sean Pearson’s penalty was added to by goals from Lewis Hanley and Henry Hindle, which allowed Haslingden to finish what has been a poor season for them with a flourish.

In Division Two, Furness Rovers defeated Furness Cavaliers 6-2, thanks to goals from Chris Cloudesdale, Ryan Barker, Jason Corkan and a Ryan Fagan hat-trick. Joe Blackshaw and Sam Graham replied for Cavaliers.

On the plus side for Cavs, Scott Linklater played his 500th game for the cub and they also gave four 16-year-olds their West Lancs debuts.

Mark McAloone has stepped down from first team managerial duties at the club so anyone wishing to fill the post is asked to contact Paul Wright on 07709695250. The club are also on the lookout for a reserve team manager.

Thanks to everyone who keeps me updated with match action and for anyone thinking there is nice long off season, think again, as pre-season training is roughly six weeks away!