Keswick Victorious in Cumbrian Cup Tie

History has always served up closely fought games between these two sides and with a rivalry dating back years, any fixture between the pair is hotly contested and with a place in the next round at stake, neither side wanted to bow out of the competition at the hands of the other.

League form counts for nothing in these games but Keswick have made the perfect start to the season collecting maximum points while South Lakes sit mid table.

Keswick once again fielded a strong line up welcoming back Seth Fletcher and Peter Sutton but were without the ever dependable pairing of James Fennell and Rikki Barnes.

The game began at a fast pace from both sides as both tried to break the deadlock early – Keswick seemed to have the upper hand in midfield but South Lakes were dangerous when springing the counter attack. An opening exchange of few clear cut opportunities from open play it became apparent that set plays would contribute largely to the outcome of this match – as it would ultimately prove. The first few short corners from Keswick and South Lakes provided chances, but neither could convert. As the half progressed though KWC won another short and after the intial shot was saved, Robert Owen followed up to smash the ball into the goal for what was probably a deserved lead.

Midway through the half Keswick doubled their lead via another short corner – this time Rob Cook thrashing home. Rob Cook could have extended the Keswick lead late on in the half but was unable to finish after rounding the keeper, keeping the score at 2-0.

After the break, South Lakes came out fighting and put the visitors under considerable pressure with numerous waves of attack although Wilson and Mattear stood firm. Keswick almost grabbed a third but a goal mouth scramble could not be finished.

South Lakes continued to push and were awarded with a short corner which they converted at the second attempt after their initial effort was clipped onto the post by Harris and the rebound fell kindly. Both sides continued to attack at every opportunity making the contest an open encounter with a goal either way drastically changing the tie. Unfortunately for Keswick, it was South Lakes who nabbed it and their equaliser with only minutes remaining taking the game to flicks.

Morgan converted first in controversial fashion at the second time of asking, while Dave Harris saved to give the advantage to Keswick. Rob Cook, Mark Proctor and Paul Randall all stepped up and converted as did their counterparts and although only a fortunate save denied Shaun Wilson the winning attempt, Lakes could not convert the final stroke and take the game to sudden death ensuring Keswick have their name in the next round draw.