Manchester Maccabi 1st 0
Waterloo 0
Manchester Macc win 8-7 on pens
SAM HATTON was the penalty shootout hero as Manchester Maccabi 1st made history by lifting the County Cup for the first time.
A tense final at Trafford FC was settled when Waterloo blazed their seventh spot-kick over the crossbar and Hatton kept his never to start the celebrations.
Manchester Maccabi 1st boss Scott McGarvey hopes the final triumph is just the first leg of a potential double.
He said: “I couldn’t be prouder of my players. It was a very close game which could have gone eother way during the 90 minutes.
“The penalties are always a lottery but I had confidence in my players.
“To not miss a penalty under pressure speaks volumes for their ability and mental strength."
Waterloo began as favourites but there was little between the teams during the 90 minutes
Adam Stevens hit the post and Waterloo also had their fair share of chances – before the penalty drama settled the final.
It was the third time in the competition that McGarvey's men have beaten a side from the Tameside League.
McGarvey said: “I’ve seen some very good players over the years for Manchester Maccabi who have never reached the final,let alone win it. It's a real coup for the players.
"There were some exceptional performances. Mark Bell and Max Foster were different class while Mark Maynard played through the pain barrier after damaging his shoulder. He summed up the spirit of the team."
Manchester Maccabi 1st are also in the hunt for the Accounts Premier League title and will go head-to-head with AFC Flixton to be crowned champions.
McGarvey added:"That will go down to the wire. AFC Flixton are a good side but I believe we have enough in our locker to win the league. We will enjoy this win and then start looking forward to achieving our next target."
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