THEY were pipped to the league title, but Prudhoe YC Flames fought back to take the West Division Youth Cup.

While both teams were promoted to League One of the Pin Point Recruitment Junior League, Throckley Magpies edged out Prudhoe in the race for the championship by finishing two points clear of their rivals.

But the Prudhoe side got one over on the Magpies as they survived a fightback to lift the West Division Cup courtesy of a 3-2 triumph.

The Flames flickered with the wind behind them in the opening half, taking the game to Throckley in the early exchanges.

Mason Pine shot Toby Douglas’ cross over the top following a fine run in the first minute, with David Neumann the next to go close for Prudhoe.

Magpies stopper Grady Wilson was then called into action as he kept out both Neumann and Pine in quick succession, either side of well-struck, long distance efforts from Thomas Southwood.

The pressure finally told on 16 minutes when Oliver Cave diverted the opener home as Prudhoe kept the move alive after Pine’s effort was cleared off the line by Philip Robson.

The impetus remained with the Flames and Neumann was twice denied a spectacular goal, goalkeeper Wilson keeping out both efforts from free kicks.

It took a while for Throckley to enjoy a sight on goal, and Lewis Waters had the net rippling. However, his well executed shot could find the side netting only.

Prudhoe took a two goal lead into the break when a great ball from Neumann wasn’t dealt with, and Douglas ran clear and kept his composure to slot past Wilson.

With the wind now in their favour, Throckley improved dramatically after the break and Ralph Robson hit a shot over the bar within a minute of the restart.

A long range effort from Waters then caused problems for Prudhoe goalkeeper Thomas Goodwin who managed to keep the ball from creeping over the line, with Aiden Wilding firing wide moments later.

Prudhoe continued to play some fantastic football against the strong wind, though, and Dan Ward was the next to ask questions of Wilson.

And their lead was stretched to three goals on 52 minutes, Pine keeping his cool to latch onto a through ball and expertly loft it over Wilson who tried in vain to keep the ball out with his head as he raced out of his box.

The Throckley goal continued to be peppered as Pine headed Ward’s good cross wide, and Neumann and Jack Stirk were denied by good saves from Wilson.

Throckley made a bid for a late comeback in the final 10 minutes and, minutes after captain Jake Robson’s free kick was kept out, they reduced arrears from the spot as Philip Robson converted after a Prudhoe defender handled in the area.

Skipper Robson then made it a nervy final two minutes for Prudhoe as there was no stopping his free kick this time, his spectacular set piece fling over Goodwin’s head to give the league champions hope of taking the game to extra time.

However, Prudhoe held out and it is their name on the trophy after an impressive team display from all 14 players, seeing off the challenge from a strong Throckley side.

david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk