STRIKER Adam Linaker netted two second-half penalties as Domino's Premiership side the Cork & Bottle toppled the Chapelhay for a second successive year in the final of the Les Hallett Trophy.
The Cork retained their crown by scoring twice in the last ten minutes but much credit must go to their Championship opponents who battled throughout.
In fact it was the Chapelhay that gained the upper hand when Paul Reed opened the scoring on 35 minutes. The talented played controlled the ball on his chest and fired in at the near post after Marc Dalley had flicked on a cross from Andy McDermott.
Prior to that both sides had gone close with good chances. Adam Laing struck a free-kick over the bar and Ollie Stanton had a header cleared off the line for the Cork while Stuart Scourfield and Dalley had threatened for the Taverners.
Despite going a goal down, the Cork finished the first period the stronger outfit, with Ismael Gonzalez sending an overhead kick over the bar and Linaker being denied by a second goal-line clearance.
The Portland United striker also saw a
header saved on 43 minutes before James Merritt stung the palms of Anthony Mauger with a 35-yard free-kick for the Chapelhay, who may have doubled their advantage had Dalley reacted quicker to the loose ball.
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The Taverners began to tire in the second half but the turning point came when Phil Anderson received a booking for upending Dalley. The lively forward never seemed to recover from that and it caused his side to become less of a threat going forward.
The Cork began to gain control and after Linaker went close with a free-kick from 20 yards that fell agonisingly wide, a foul on Chris Shuttler in the box gave Linaker the chance from the spot and he duly dispatched to level the score.
The Premiership side were now making all the running and it was no surprise when they took the lead on 80 minutes. Shuttler was the man on target with a fine header at the far post from Boyd's cross.
Chapelhay continued to fight on gallantly but in added-time their resolve was finally ended when Millen brought down Josh Evans in the area and was cautioned. Linaker again stepped up and made no mistake to seal the Cork a deserved piece of silverware.
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