Pembrokeshire 2.

Burnley Miners Working Men’s Club 0.

Pembrokeshire’s over-45s football team beat their Lancashire rivals to the Sporting Cup recently.

The team has to travel widely for matches and in this plate final, played at the superb facilities at Lilleshall.

Pembrokeshire made a good start as the back four of Glyn Ruloff, Bobby Bevan, Brian Morris and Gary Stephens covered sensibly so that keeper Steve James was protected, although the Johnston custodian saved well whenever he was called upon, particularly from set-piece moves.

Pembrokeshire claimed the lead with a very good first-half goal by John Ryan as he benefited from some good work by Paul Mansbridge and Micky Algieri before finding the net after half an hour.

Pembrokeshire doubled their lead after 63 minutes with a cracking goal by Bernie Armstrong as he received the ball from Gerald Hicks on half-way and beat two would-be tacklers. Armstrong held off a third defender before he looked up and spotted the keeper off his line and chipped the ball into the top corner with great accuracy.

It sealed the win for Pembrokeshire as they comfortably held on to their advantage and might have added a third goal, but were unable to find the net after good approach work.

Manager Bob Nelson was understandably delighted with the result and wished to thank all his players, especially those who were unable to be involved, like Jeremy Morris, Brian Broome, Glyn Griffiths, Mark Powell and Tim Phillips.

Pembrokeshire-over 45s: Steve James: Glyn Ruloff; Bobby Bevan; Brian Morris; Gary Stephens: Mick Algieri; Gerald Hicks; Jeff Button; John Ryan: Paul Mansbridge; Bernie Armstrong. Subs: Bob Nelson; Charlie Watts.