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Winstanley Warriors v Hindsford

6.15pm  15 August 2016

Wigan Cup, Group One
Winstanley Warriors 4 Hindsford 5 (att 34)

My second visit to Little Lane in Wigan in four months. Last time was to see Winstanley St Aidans in the Wigan League, this time it was next-door neighbours Winstanley Warriors.

Warriors have lept from the Wigan League's second tier into the Cheshire League for this season, and have installed dugouts and a barrier around their pitch, which runs parallel to the more basic home of St Aidans.

They also have their own pavilion building, from where hot and cold drinks were available. At half time a friendly club official provided welcome teas and coffees, and biscuits, for myself and a couple of other groundhopping spectators.

The Wigan Cup is an early-season competition and a good source of midweek games on evenings when new grounds can be thin on the ground. Both Warriors and their Manchester League opponents were playing this just 24 hours ahead of league games, so chances are they rested a few first teamers.

Whatever sides they were fielding it was a lively and entertaining game. Hindsford didn't get in front until the 89th minute when they scored what proved the decisive goal. They'd trailed 2-0 at half time, but had got themselves on level terms early in the second half.

Winstanley then twice went ahead, but each time Hindsford doggedly responded, before they got their late winner. They just about deserved the win, and the Warriors keeper had a particularly busy evening, making some good saves.









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