STOCKSFIELD’S centre halves took the plaudits as they defeated Prudhoe YC Yellows from the year above to lift the West Division Cup.

Lucas Lockhart’s strike eight minutes after the break proved the difference between the sides, while defensive partner Ben Milner produced a remarkable covering tackle at the exact moment normal time elapsed to prevent the tie going to extra time.

Prudhoe striker Kieran Lee charged down a clearance from goalkeeper Hugo Banks and had the goal at his mercy before Milner came out of nowhere and put in a match saving, crunching tackle on the unsuspecting opponent. It came at a time when Prudhoe were in the ascendancy, Ethan Martin hitting the top of the crossbar from close range when he connected with Ben Bloomer’s testing free kick eluded all and bounced off his teammate’s knee.

But it was Lockhart who was credited as the match winner when his powerful drive from range on 48 minutes was too hot for Prudhoe stopper Robert Thirtle to handle as it spun through his hands.

Durham County League outfit Stocksfield enjoyed all of the possession in the opening half as they looked to make inroads, but they were limited to half chances at best by a solid Prudhoe backline.

In fact, Prudhoe looked the most likely to open the scoring when Lee, as he was to do late in the game, charged down Banks but was beaten in the race for the ball by the keeper.

Stocksfield captain Joe Crozier hit three good shots from goal but was unable to find the target, while Luke Doneathy’s great footwork saw him beat his man only for his pull back to go behind well placed teammate Dan Blewitt.

From more than 35 yards, Milner tried his luck from a free kick and it forced Thirtle into a very good save as he punched the ball away.

Unable to mount a serious attacking threat in the opening 40 minutes, Prudhoe started the second half well and a shot from Cavan Scott was quickly followed by a great cross from the impressive Bailey Turner which Banks gathered just ahead of Lee.

Lockhart was then celebrating what turned out to be the winner, but Prudhoe poured forward after that with Banks denying Lee when he burst through on goal.

Lee was the most likely to score next and he was again heading towards goal after Jason Waters played an excellent lofted ball, but Milner intervened with a timely interception.

Adam Pogson was the next to go close for Prudhoe after being teed up by Bloomer, his excellent low effort just sailing wide.

Stocksfield ended the final 10 minutes on top with Thirtle denying Logan Fawcett a great goal after he fashioned a chance for himself as he twisted and turned.

Prudhoe must have sensed they were still in it when Lee again burst forward only to be denied spectacularly by Milner, while Stocksfield tried to make sure of the victory in injury time with Dan McGrane forcing another save from Thirtle.

david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk