Atherstone Beaten In League Cup Final

Last updated : 07 May 2014 By Marc Evans

Atherstone Town were beaten 2-1 in the final of the Midland Combination Les James Challenge Cup by Stafford Town.

At Walsall FC, Adders started brightly, backed by superb support but  Stafford Town started to threaten and took the lead from a Langston penalty which also saw Atherstone reduced to ten men.

In the 42nd minute, Johns added a second by forcing home at the third attempt after a cross from the right before Creaney headed just wide from a hanging free-kick as the game went into first half stoppage time.

It was a great start to the second half with both sides looking for the crucial third goal of the game. Creaney had another great chance, heading wide Ben Ashby's free-kick before a phenomenal challenge denies a Stafford midfielder.

That was the last Ashby did in the match as he was sent off for  contesting a loose ball with the Stafford keeper, leaving Atherstone two goals down with nine players.

Atherstone kept battling, creating chances with good work from George Brindley who tees up Lee Smith who side-footed wide from 20 yards.

Then, the Adders brought the game back to life when Creaney thundered home a header from Webb's free-kick to set up a grandstand finish.

However, Stafford hung on and won the Les James Challenge Cup.