SHAUN Reid is confident winning the Doodson Sport Cup can prove to be a catalyst to league success for Warrington Town next season.
The Yellows ended their 14-year trophy drought after a penalty shoot-out victory against Farsley at Stockport’s Edgeley Park.
After a goalless 90 minutes, stopper Karl Wills proved to be the hero.
The impressive Ben Wharton, Scott Metcalfe and Chris Gahgan all scored from the spot, while Wills saved efforts from Spencer Harris and Aiden Savory.
The players rush to celebrate after keeper Karl Wills makes the all-important save in the shoot-out
It sent the 400 Town fans into ecstasy after the final game of a historic season – one which Reid believes will provide his troops with added confidence and belief in the next campaign.
“I thought we deserved it on the balance of play. I thought their keeper was outstanding on the night – we got our just rewards,” said Reid, who guided Town through a thrilling run to the FA Cup second round earlier this term.
“We have had a season I will never forget – and I have played or coached in league football all my life.
“We will improve this summer. Next season I suppose my aim and goal is to win the league.”
Reid is not resting on his laurels, with the first signing for 2015/16 completed this week.
Former Football League striker Steven Gillespie has been drafted in following his release from Altrincham.
The 29-year-old Liverpudlian has appeared for Bristol City, Cheltenham Town, Colchester United and Fleetwood Town during his career.
Town will be wanting the goals from him that failed to materialise in the cup final.
Yellows did have the best chance of the first half when Louis Corrigan’s free kick was spectacularly pushed over by Tom Taylor.
Corrigan almost beat the Farsley custodian with another free kick, from 35 yards out, on 55 minutes.
Shortly afterwards, Wharton had a header parried away and captain Craig Robinson flashed a header wide from the resulting corner.
On 73 minutes, Wharton beat three defenders to find his way into the box but screwed his shot wide.
The Yorkshire side could have snatched victory deep inside injury time, only for a last-ditch tackle from Robinson on Savory.
Harris stepped up first in the shoot-out and had his shot saved low to Wills’ left before Nathan Burke’s effort to the top left corner was brilliantly kept out by Taylor.
Andy Welsh struck the post but the next five kicks were scored, leaving Savory having to hit the mark, but Wills again denied him to give Town victory.
“My players have played in 60-odd games this season, go to work every day and give me everything, so they deserve this,” said Reid.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here