HYDE-BASED Tameside United, who have their roots in Denton, are celebrating after their Under-18s side won the Manchester County Cup in the most dramatic way possible.
All looked lost when they trailed 3-1 to Davyhulme Ladies at half-time but James Caldwell’s side simply did not know when it was beaten.
Rebekah Coe set up a grandstand finish then Rebecca Lilley’s header with the last touch of the ball in normal time sent the game into penalties.
United held their nerve as they went on to win 3-1, with Rebecca, Abbie Layfield and Deana Pickles all finding the net and goalkeeper Julia Wrobel doing what she does best to make sure they lifted the trophy at Abbey Hey FC.
There was misery for United’s U15s as they lost their cup final 3-1 to Droylsden Pumas despite Georgia Johnson’s goal.
But head coach Caldwell beliueved the Under-18s’ win would have pleased late Hyde United chief executive Mark Worthington.
He said: “Words cannot explain how proud I am, not only of the 15 players who came back from 3-1 to win on penalties but also of the whole Hyde United family, coaches from all age groups from nine to open age came down to get behind us.
“Our opponents were first class both on and off the pitch and my respect for Davyhulme’s players and coaches cannot be higher.
“In a week of the worst possible news in losing someone special in Mark Worthington, I can honestly say the club would have made him proud.”
United will toast their success and progress at the annual presentation night for their U9 to U15 sides.
It will take place on Friday, May 17 at Denton Cricket Club on Egerton Street, Denton.