MATTHIOLA under 18s narrowly missed out on lifting the Alf Holt Trophy in a thrilling final against Winstanley Warriors at Warrington Town's Cantilever Park Stadium.

Having led twice in the game, Matthiola eventually lost out 4-3 to their Wigan based opponents.

Matthiola raced into a two goal lead within the first 20 minutes thanks to goals by strikers Akeeme Williams and David Williams.

The Sankey based team continued to dominate in front of a big crowd and missed some guilt edged opportunities before letting Winstanley back into the game with two late second half goals to send the sides into half time level.

Half time substitute Nathan Platts restored Matthiola's lead on 54 minutes with a towering header from a Jake Downie free kick

 Joe Hancock, awarded man of the match by the Warrington Junior League, almost sealed the game after rounding the keeper only to see his shot cleared off the line moments before the sides were level again, thanks to a stunning top corner free kick from the edge of the penalty area.

With Town Manager Shaun Reid watching on from the stands, the sides were preparing for extra time when Winstanley grabbed a controversial deciding goal.

An 89th minute miss-hit shot was adjudged to have crossed the line despite Hancocks spectacular last ditch clearance.

Matthiola battled bravely to the end despite being reduced to ten men when captain Joe Munn was harshly dismissed for a second yellow card deep into added time.

In the end the return to Cantilever Park of former Town secretary Graham Ost, now manager of Matthiola u18's, was not to be a happy one but it was memorable way to bring down the curtain on the team's 12 year reign as members of the Warrington Junior League.