TEMPEST United capped a season to remember as they lifted the Hospital Cup at the Macron Stadium.

Victory over Atherton LR might was done the hard way, as Ross McNair’s West Lancs League side hung on with 10 men for the last 15 minutes.

Sean Rothwell’s pin-point delivery had helped establish a 2-0 lead – the first goal turned into his own net by a Rovers defender under pressure from Alex McClurg and the second headed home from close range by Chris Farnworth.

Rovers had hit the woodwork and considered themselves unlucky to be so far adrift at the break.

The game’s big turning point came midway through the second half, however, as a defensive mix-up led to McLurg being sent off for a handball on his own goal-line. Theo Kidd was denied by Craig Tebay from the penalty spot but tucked in the rebound.

“It was the best save of the night,” joked Tempest assistant boss Gary Westhead. “But it was definitely backs to the wall after that.

“Defensively the team has been really solid this season and it was just a case of keeping our organisation to see the result out.”

Tempest boss McNair had previously lifted the Hospital Cup and the Goldline Trophy in LR colours but had seen his team crash out of the League Cup and the Junior Shield at the semi-final stage this season.

Victory over Elton Vale put them into the showpiece event against his former club and, says Westhead, gave them an opportunity to finish an encouraging season in style.

“It felt a bit as if we’d got that monkey off our back when we got through to the final,” he told The Bolton News. “It has been a good season. Sixth is our best-ever finish in the West Lancs League.

“Ross has been here two seasons now and done a great job, getting us promoted and now winning the Hospital Cup. It has been great progression and hopefully now we can add a couple more players in the summer and push on again.”

A crowd of 542 people watched the final, raising money for the Chorley-based High Five charity, which provides support and activities for families with disabled children.

“It was superb, as always,” added Westhead. “I turned up at 4.30pm with my dad to put the kits out and from there on, there was a great sense of occasion.

“You’d expect it to be professionally run because it’s at the Macron but the organisers really do a great job.”