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Swinton Athletic's first Montagu Cup win since 1989 means that they are now one of the most successful clubs in the competition’s history. After folding in the early 2000s, Andy Billups has revived this community club.

 

The match was played behind closed doors at the Queens United ground, West Melton. It was the local team, Westville, who took the lead on the half-hour as Keiran Hirst seized on a loose ball in the aftermath of a penalty appeal. 

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Swinton levelled 5 minutes later when Regan Kelly capitalised on hesitant defending to set up Shawn Mitchell who beat his man and slotted home.  There was little between the two teams as the first half finished at 1-1.

Six minutes after the break, Swinton were ahead through Enzo Guarini’s low finish after good build up play from Justin Greenwood and the Wilkinson twins.

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Two goals in a minute, halfway through the second half, swung the tie in Swinton’s favour. Man of the match, Shawn Mitchell drilled in a low shot, before Alex Wilkinson thundered in a left foot shot from 15 yards.

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On 74 minutes Curtis Wilkinson matched his brother with an equally powerful right footed strike – however this one was from 30 yards and in the top corner.

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As Westville pushed to get back into the game, Jon Billups was usually in their way. With 5 minutes remaining, Westville managed a deserved second with a close-range overhead kick from Liam Graham.

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Sponsors Stelrad sent their representative, Shaun Wilkinson, to present the medals.  This was especially fitting as Shaun’s sons Curtis and Alex played such a pivotal role in this victory.

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An emotional Andy Billups was last off the pitch, sparing a thought for Swinton Athletics’ founders and stalwarts Eric Johnson, Wilf Polhill and Fred Bradshaw.

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The 2020/21 competition starts next Sunday. The draw for this is at www.montagucup.com/2021