Norton Grange sink Staffordshire Knot to lift the Sunday Challenge Cup under the lights at the Red Industries Stadium.

Five goals, two penalties and a red card. This game had it all. Norton Grange ran out 4-1 winners over Staffordshire Knot on Thursday evening. 

The Knot stood firm for half an hour, before the deadlock was broken on 30 minutes courtesy of a Ijaz Ghylam penalty. Credit to the Knot goalkeeper, Brandon Rigby who guessed right but could only parry the effort back into the path of Ghylam who tapped home.

Looking to double their lead, Norton were pushing for another and this time Joe Sargeant latched onto the end of a looping ball over the Knot defence to calmly lob an onrushing Rigby. But his celebrations were cut short, with the linesman having spotted an infringement in the build up.

Though, moments later the Grange grabbed two in quick succession. Sargeant, once again a thorn in the side of Staffs linked up with Serikari Ahmedi who was at the double - providing Ian Bennett’s side a three goal cushion at the break.

Half Time: Staffordshire Knot 0-3 Norton Grange

Into the second half and almost immediately from the restart, the Knot were handed a way back into the game, again the referee pointing to the spot for a late challenge.
Tom Kelsall stepped up to coolly convert into the corner.

A sluggish first 15 minutes for Norton, but they soon rallied together to continue where they left off in the first half. Forcing the Knot number One, Rigby into a fine double save on the hour.

The Grange thought they had regained their three goal cushion on 75 minutes. A searching ball across the face of goal tapped home at the far post. But, once again the flag was raised. Offside was the call.

On 85 minutes, the Grange did add a fourth and it was the best of the five goals. A cross-field ball evaded the defender, only for Norton substitute Danny Muqeem to drive an effort from range and into the top corner.

With seven additional minutes indicated, the referee still had time to reach for his back pocket for a cynical challenge on Sami Miah. The forward looked to be through on goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat but for a clip of the heels from the Knot goalscorer, Kelsall 20 yards from goal.

Full Time: Staffordshire Knot 1-4 Norton Grange

Player of the Match: Momin Mousa

Match Gallery : Sunday Challenge Cup Final : Staffordshire Knot FC 1-4 Norton Grange FC