The final game of the season in the North Herts Football League saw Whitwell Village lift the Benevolent Shield. The beaten Greg Cup finalists were deserved 6-2 winners over Division One champions Magnum at Hitchin Town last Thursday night. Whitwell got o

The final game of the season in the North Herts Football League saw Whitwell Village lift the Benevolent Shield.

The beaten Greg Cup finalists were deserved 6-2 winners over Division One champions Magnum at Hitchin Town last Thursday night.

Whitwell got off to a dream start when they took the lead after five minutes as a shot from Richard Green caught Magnum keeper Tim Boston unawares from just outside the penalty area.

The game was end-to-end on a difficult pitch and Whitwell went further in front when a long ball found Green who rounded a defender and slotted home from inside the area.

Magnum got back in the game when Sam Gibbs found himself unmarked in the penalty area following a fine move down the right and coolly slotted home.

In the second half play started evenly but then Whitwell took the upper hand. A cross from the left was headed back across goal by Nathan Grinstead for Dean Mullings to score from close range.

Whitwell went further in front when Grinstead headed home from close range following a save by the keeper. Following the goal, Magnum keeper Boston received some lengthy treatment.

With Magnum pushing forward, Whitwell were always dangerous on the break and Green completed his hat-trick when he outpaced the defence and slotted home from inside the area.

As both sides made substitutions, it was Whitwell's Jon Harris who completed their scoring from close range.

Magnum had the last word when they were awarded a last minute penalty which was put away by Gibbs.