Newton Athletic under-13s defied the odds to win the Cheshire FA Minor Cup, becoming just the third junior team from Chester to be crowned county champions.
Newton, winners of the Chester & District Junior Football League title, can complete a memorable treble with a win over Chester Nomads in the League Cup final this weekend at the Swansway Chester Stadium.
Captain Daniel Goodchild and his team-mates’ road to glory began with a big win at Macclesfield Boys in the second round before storming past Sandbach Falcons to reach the quarter-finals.
Newton thumped a well-fancied Nantwich Town side to set up a meeting with Dukinfield Youth, who were unbeaten in two years, in the semi-finals.
Despite being the underdogs and trailing 3-1 at half-time, Newton fought back to win 4-3 and went through to face red-hot favourites Egerton in the final.
Jack Sconce netted on 10 minutes and a watertight defensive effort restricted Egerton to two half chances as Newton triumphed 1-0.
“I think 64 clubs entered the cup this year so to win it is a brilliant achievement,” said manager Dave Richards.
“We had a really difficult run to the final and Egerton’s was a lot easier but the boys were fantastic and have put a lot of hard work in over the last couple of seasons.
“It was always a dream to get to the Cheshire Cup final so to get there and win it at the first attempt is tremendous.
“The players should be proud of their hard work and achievements this season, and my assistant Danny McCallum and I receive amazing support from the parents.
“We’d like to dedicate our win to Steve Jones and Bernie Concannon, who have given so much to make Newton Athletic the club it is now, and for giving us a chance.”
Chester FC host the CDJFL finals on Saturday and Sunday with the action starting at 9.30am on both days. The under-9s, 10s, 11s and 12s finals take place on Saturday with the under-13s, 14s, 15s, 16s and 18s on Sunday.
