Dudley Town beat Cradley Town to lift the JW Hunt Cup
Fired by the left-wing trickery of Harry Crook, Dudley Town won a one-sided JW Hunt Cup final at Molineux, writes Steve Gordos.
The Midland League Premier Division side called the tune virtually throughout against opponents Cradley Town, who play a division below in Midland One.
Taylor Homer went close early on for Cradley Town, but Dudley soon took control. Tom Oliver was close with a free-kick and then Matt Funge tried an outrageous flick, but Cradley keeper Reece Francis was well positioned to collect.
Having earlier hit the bar, Crook gave Dudley the lead on 34 minutes with a neatly-chipped penalty after he had been brought down by Natty Hewett.
Five minutes later, Crook dribbled his way down the left and his inviting centre was turned in by Funge.
It should have been three, but Funge stabbed a low centre against a post from two yards out just before half-time.
It was a much quieter second half as Cradley strived to make an impact, though Dudley always looked lively.
After Funge had seen a shot turned for a corner Crook paved the way for goal No.3 on 67 minutes. His curling shot from the left was palmed away by goalkeeper Reece Francis but Dan Jones was there to volley home from close range.
Cradley staged a late rally without creating any clear-cut chances, though Dudley keeper Dominic Hill had to be alert to end a goalmouth scramble.
Man-of-the-match sponsor Les Pickerill presented his trophy to Crook and the Hunt Cup was handed over by Helen Gough whose husband John is chairman of the cup’s main sponsor, the Gough Group. She was joined by Wolves legend John Richards and his wife Pam.
The large attendance will boost the proceeds of the competition, which go to the Beacon Centre for the Blind.
