News

Frank Northwood’s magnificent Moatmen beat Alfreton Town in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to clinch the Derbyshire Senior Cup for the first time.

Now Northwood will be hoping to end speculation about his future when he meets Rovers’ committee tomorrow night.

“I’d rather talk about tonight rather than what might or might not happen in the future,” said Rovers boss last night amid jubilant scenes.

Northwood is thought to be asking for a two year contract and could not have wished for a finer moment in support of his case.

He said: “It was a triumph for sheer effort and determination. They really came at us in the first half, but we battled through it all.”

Northwood had a special word of sympathy for skipper Steve Dolby, axed in a surprise team change.

“I felt for the fella right through the game,” said Northwood. “It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make, but Gresley pay me to make decisions which win matches.”

Dolby, did, however have a part to play. He was brought on as substitute in extra time; scored in the penalty shoot-out and, on the insistence of skipper-for-the-night Ray Skeemer, collected the handsome trophy from county FA officials.

It was a night of personal triumph for winger Clive Arthur, who set up the goal which enabled Gresley to level the aggregate score and also drove in the decisive penalty.

Said Arthur: “I’ve been in and out of the side so I had a point to prove tonight. I wasn’t worried about taking the penalty, although obviously there was a lot of pressure out there.”