Carnforth Rangers FC win West Lancashire League Challenge Cup

Carnforth Rangers have won the West Lancashire League Challenge Cup after a 3-1 victory over Dalton United.

The final was contested at Charnock Richard’s Mossie Park on Tuesday night (April 18).

Goals from Tom Knight (2) in each half and Cameron Holmes got the victory for Carnforth.

Jordan Chubb halved Dalton’s deficit before the break but their opponents were just too strong for them.

It has been a fantastic 12 months for Carnforth Rangers’ first team, firstly with promotion to the West Lancashire League Division 1 last year, and now with this trophy win.

They had to go to penalties to decide every game before the final, but this tie, against Division 2 side Dalton United, was wrapped up in 90 minutes.

Speaking about the final win, first team manager Dan Parkinson told Beyond Radio: “It was the best night I've had in football, the first 20 minutes were absolutely brilliant then we took the foot off the gas slightly and allowed them back in the game.

“We had to give them a bit of a talking to at half time but they responded and were fantastic again in the second half. To win something the year after being promoted is brilliant, every single one of them deserve it, they've worked hard all season.”

Carnforth Rangers’ first team’s remaining league fixtures in the West Lancashire League Division One, which they are currently eighth in, are April 22: Croston Sports (H), April 29: Lostock St Gerards (A), May 1: Millom (H), May 6: Kendal County (H).

Carnforth Rangers could win more silverware as a club in the coming weeks.

Their third team, also known as their A Team, are top of the Westmorland Football League Division 4 with three games remaining (April 22: Millhead (H), April 29: Brough (H), May 6: Sedbergh and Dent Reserves (A)).

Their game against Millhead will be crucial to both side’s seasons as Millhead are the team just behind Carnforth in the league. Carnforth are first with 35 points and 15 games played, whereas Millhead are second with 33 points and 16 games played.

The same team are also in the Austin Wren Cup Semi Final against Burton Thistle. They played the first leg of the tie last night (Wednesday) at home and won 3-1.

The reverse second leg takes place on April 26. If they progress to the final, they’ll face either Sedbergh & Dent Reserves or Wetheriggs United Reserves.

The fourth/youth team are currently in two cup competitions after finishing their league campaign in the North Lancashire League First Division in seventh place. They will be in the semi final draw for the Robert Hockman Junior Cup, and are in the group stages of the Steve Presnail Printers/Whiteside Challenge Cup, they face rivals Millhead at home on April 24.