1966 was a great year for England and, for the Hatters, it was the last time they won the Cheshire Senior Cup, until this week!
On Tuesday, at Nantwich Town’s Weaver Stadium, County won the trophy for a sixth time by beating Tranmere Rovers 2-1.
County’s line-up showed two changes from that which had taken to the field at Alfreton’s Impact Arena three days earlier. Ian Ormson returned to goalkeeping duties in place of England Youth ‘keeper, Dean Henderson, who was away on international duty and Glenn Rule made his first start in over three months.
At half time the score was 0-0, then Hatters took the lead in the 52nd minute but just 8 minutes later Sam Ilesamni got the Birkenhead side back on level terms.
Despite chances for both sides, the teams were level after 90 minutes: County 1 (Marsden, 52), Tranmere 1 (Ilesamni, 60).
With just two minutes remaining of extra time, and the spectre of penalties looming, the Hatters got the reward as Morton and Marsden exchanged passes on the right, before the latter crossed to Menagh, whose header from beyond the far post was palmed upwards by Pilling… but only as far as Anoruo who nodded home.
FINAL SCORE (after extra time): County 2 (Marsden, 52; Anoruo, 118), Tranmere 1 (Ilesamni, 60).
Team: Ormson, Connolly, Roberts, Ellison, O’Hanlon, Smalley (Anoruo, 91), Morton, Rule (Wilson, 59), Odejayi, Marsden, Garvin (Menagh, 91).
Unused Subs: Smith, Brodie. Attendance: 503.
Picture: www.mphotographic.co.uk © Mike Petch 2016.