The second half started brightly with Knutsford always in control through an excellent defensive performance with Faulkner matching the aggressive Atlantic when needed and forward play that always suggested more goals.
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Atlantic started making substitutions and their new forward went down theatrically from a clean challenge by Jackson just outside the box and to everyone's surprise the linesman pointed to the spot - penalty.
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But Mottershead was cool, putting pressure on the spot kicker and he saved well down to his left to deny Atlantic for justice to be done.
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With Knutsford still in control but without scoring the goal that would have secured the win, Atlantic broke away and after a clumsy challenge from Rovira a 2nd penalty was awarded - this time a different spot kicker stepped up and blasted it into the net for a 2-2 score line and all to play for with 30 minutes to go
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Knutsford replaced Dave Rovira with Will Turner moving into central midfield to bring additional strength and experience to support the tireless Hussain with Joey Morphet taking up the left side position whilst Atlantic, frustrated by Knutsford's discipline & flair lost their discipline and had a player sent off for repeated foul play on Faulkner
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Then with 15 minutes to play a clever ball from Sully found Izenoza who sealed it for Knutsford with a strong run down the right and a great finish from an acute angle to make it 3-2 and cap a fine individual performance. Atlantic's ill discipline grew and a 2nd Atlantic player was sent off for another scything challenge on Faulkner.
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Atlantic tried to get back into the game, but their main danger was from corners and free kicks, with the Knutsford defence growing in stature and comfortable in dealing with what Atlantic had to offer.
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Knutsford replaced the injured Cox with Simcock for his first appearance after a major foot operation to the delight of the fans and Shipp came on to replace Ali to stiffen up mid field with his high energy.
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Final score Knutsford 3 Atlantic 2 and the Cup heading to Manchester Road
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A fine game high on tension, incident and quality for a well deserved victory and a feeling of relief at a job well done.
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The gladiators had been to the coliseum and were victorious.
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The League officials thought it was one of the best finals in years.
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Morphet collected the magnificent 117 year old Cup from the FA officials and the party started (it is not known what time the party finished!)
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A great team performance with strong contributions from all areas and with terrific support from the Knutsford fans and our vocal Manchester fan base.
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Team:
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Mottershead, Cox, Faulkner, Rovira C, Jackson, Izenoza, Rovira D, Morphet, Hussain, Ali, Sully
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Subs: Pottgeiter, Turner, Shipp, Simcock, Parker
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Next Fixture
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March 31st Trafford away
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3 games to go and 3 wins required to secure 2nd place and an outside chance of 1st
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