WOOLMER Green stopped St Ippolyts completing the North Herts League and cup double in the Premier Division Cup final. Saints started last Thursday s final at Hitchin Town on top and had appeals for a penalty turned down. They went behind though when an ex

WOOLMER Green stopped St Ippolyts completing the North Herts League and cup double in the Premier Division Cup final.

Saints started last Thursday's final at Hitchin Town on top and had appeals for a penalty turned down.

They went behind though when an excellent run by James Brewster ended with him cracking home a right-foot shot from just outside the area to give the keeper no chance.

Woolmer then dominated the half and went further in front when the keeper missed a corner by Lee Keen and Ollie Rice headed home.

The second half was a different story as Saints applied the pressure but were kept to long distance shots. Woolmer were still dangerous on the break and missed a couple of chances.

Saints got back in the game following a scramble with 15 minutes to play when Stuart Potasnick scored from close range.

Woolmer were under constant pressure for the remaining time but held out to inflict a rare defeat on Saints in the North Herts League this season.

There was a sour note to the proceedings as following the presentation, Saints player/manager Wayne Maguire was aggressive towards the match and league officials.

Maguire ended up by petulantly throwing his runner-up award over the stand at Top Field.

The league quickly arranged an emergency meeting and have now withdrawn the player's registration.

Two days later, Saints went down in a seven-goal thriller at Whitwell Village. Goals from Simon Chipperfield (two), Nathan Grinstead and Wayne Mullooly won the game, with Ryan Foster, Ben Marshall and Mandell Mullings replying.

The final group matches of the Benevolent Shield were also played.

In Group A, Kimpton Rovers won a close encounter against Wilbury Wanderers 3-2 to put them on six points in the group. Goals from Craig Barnes, Sam Gibbs and Mark Harrington got Kimpton on the scoresheet. Wilbury replied through Kerry Chase and James Turner.

In Group B, Woolmer Green clinched the best runner-up spot when they beat Fairlands 7-1.

A hat-trick from Tom Younger led the way backed by a brace for Justin Brown and other goals from James Brewster and Josh Dance.

The solitary Fairlands goal was the best of the lot as Wayne Cowan cracked home a free-kick from fully 50 yards that left Woolmer keeper Ian Mann bemused.

The semi-finals take place this Saturday with Magnum at home to St Ippolyts and Whitwell Village hosting Woolmer Green.

RESULTS

(Thursday, April 6)

Premier Division Cup, final: Woolmer Green 2 St Ippolyts 1.

(Saturday, April 8)

Premier Division: Whitwell Village 4 St Ippolyts 3.

Benevolent Shield, Group A: Wilbury Wanderers 2 Kimpton Rovers 3.

Group C: Magnum v Cricketers Weston (off, game awarded to Magnum as Cricketers Weston unable to raise a side), Woolmer Green 7 Fairlands 1.

FIXTURES

(Tonight, Thursday)

Greg Cup, final: Stevenage Council Club v Whitwell Village (at Hitchin Town FC, 7.30pm ko).

(Saturday, April 15)

Benevolent Shield semi-finals: Whitwell Village v Woolmer Green, Magnum v St Ippolyts.

(Thursday, April 20)

Division One Cup, final: Fairlands v Baldock Res (at Hitchin Town FC, 7.30pm ko).

(Saturday, April 22)

Premier Division: Stevenage Council Club v Kimpton Rovers.

Division One play-off: Magnum v Bedwell Rangers Res.