Richhill's Rowntree to use prize as starting point for progress

Richhill players, officials and supporters show off the Alan Wilson Cup following a defeat of Moneyslane on penalty kicks.

The intermediate knockout showpiece showdown with Moneyslane was settled courtesy of individual class by Richhill scorer Andrew Allen and goalkeeper Neil McCartney.

However, Rowntree - who can boast a packed trophy cabinet thanks to past glory days as a player - is keen for a collective bonus.

“This club has had to get past some really tough times and after Friday’s final you could see how much it means to those people,” said Rowntree. “I would rank this up against my best achievements as a player as we only had something like three in the squad with a previous Intermediate medal.

“Now the goal is to push on and use this win to galvanise everyone and continue our progress.

“Neil Lester lifted the cup as captain on his final appearance before retirement from the game.”

McCartney entered the final with 10 spot-kick saves from this season’s tally of 12 penalty tests. The long-serving goalkeeper added to his record with two spot-kick stops against Moneyslane before Richard Morrison slotted home the decisive kick.

Moneyslane broke the deadlock before Allen’s memorable piece of skill to steer home an acrobatic effort.

Success in the shoot-out arrived for Kyle Davison, Lee Wortley and David Ross before Morrison wrapped up the 4-3 penalty triumph.

RICHHILL: Neil McCartney, Lee Towers, Neil Lester, Kyle Davison, Mark Cooke, George Calvin, Nicky Finlay, Lee Wortley, Andrew Allen, Richard Morrison, David Ross. Subs: Johnny Allen, Ally Dodds, Kyle Maguire, Chris Lester, Gary McCoo.

Richill would like to thank Bryan Hynds Garden Machinery for sponsorship support.