AN outstanding last-gasp goal for Fearnhead Albion sealed one of the best Guardian Cup finals in recent years.

Teenage striker Robbie Hanley harried a defensive mistake and dribbled past a number of Daten Sports defenders before unleashing an unstoppable left foot drive from the penalty spot.

It was a dramatic conclusion to Easter Monday's showdown at Rylands Recreation Ground as Albion fought back from 3-2 down in the late stages.

There was no time left for Daten to recover and so it was Fearnhead's name that went on a Warrington Soccer League trophy that neither side had won before.

The two teams produced an exciting spectacle of flowing football throughout the 90 minutes.

Daten, of the Mid-Cheshire Soccer League, took an early lead following a corner. Jones was unmarked at the back post and headed in.

Warrington Soccer League Premier Division side Fearnhead restored parity on their first raid with centre back Rob Ashbrook converting a free kick from the edge of Daten's box. The goal was a superbly struck effort that penetrated the defensive wall and skimmed across the turf into the corner of the net.

As half-time approached Fearnhead took the lead. Johnny Brennon put pressure on the Daten goalkeeper and Hanley seized on the loose ball to roll his shot into the net.

Daten drew level in the second half with a towering header from centre back Bimpson which set up a tense finish.

Daten substitute Heesom then fired in an unstoppable free kick to hand his side the initiative.

Fearnhead's battling qualities were amply rewarded as within minutes they drew level with Neil Webster scrambling home at a corner.

Both sides looked for the decisive goal. Daten thought that they had found the winner with a thundering free kick that left Lewis in the Fearnhead goal bemused. But in sensational fashion as the Culcheth men were celebrating referee Steve Clarke ruled out the effort as it had been an indirect free kick.

Fearnhead's reprieve led to the late match winner.

Daten: Southern, Collard, Gallagher, Green, Bimpson, Wilson, Jones, Downes, Matthews, Phillips, Taylor. Subs used: Hughes, Duncan, Heesom.

Fearnhead: Lewis, Tilling, Martin, McGrath, Ashbrook, Appleton, Webster, Howard, Brennon, Hanley, Lawson. Subs used: Logan, Malone, Parrington.