ATHERTON Colls boss Michael Clegg paid tribute to winger Mark Truffas for his man-of-the-match display in the 7-2 Hospital Cup final victory over Turton.

The former Stoneclough and Eagley midfielder grabbed two goals on Tuesday night as Colls capped off a brilliant season with silverware at the Macron Stadium.

The first, a 25-yard free-kick, was the pick of nine on the night, conjuring an image of those scored by Wanderers set-piece greats like Jay Jay Okocha.

“I think that’s his ninth direct free-kick this season,” Clegg enthused. “It’s something he works on tirelessly on the training pitch.

“I couldn’t be happier for anyone than him for getting man of the match because he’s had a great year and in the last few weeks he’s been disappointed in his own performances. This was fantastic for him.”

Clegg’s side had already clinched the North West Counties First Division title by seven clear points but had suffered two cup final defeats in a congested end to the campaign.

Now Colls can go into the close-season with a double under their belt, looking forward to life in the NWCL Premier next season.

“A lot of lads were feeling it after the month we’ve had but they’re a great bunch and there’s no better way to spend the night than with these lads,” Clegg said, still soaked with the victory Champagne.

“They’ve given me absolutely everything. A double was the very least we deserved after the fantastic months we’ve had leading up to this.”

The game itself was finely balanced for most of the first half, Truffas’s ninth-minute strike the only difference.

But his free-kick, coupled with another fine finish from Ben Hardcastle, gave brave Turton an insurmountable task in the second half.

Striker Mark Battersby took his tally to 63 for the season, with Hardcastle and Wes Bancroft also getting among the goals and Rick Battersby also putting through his own net.

Turton’s consolations came from Dave Burrows and Sam Crook.

“We know that we can score goals and on a big flat pitch, it plays to our strengths,” Clegg said.

“But I think a lot of credit has to go to Turton because for long periods they were fantastic and they gave us a right good game.

“I think it was a bit flattering for us that scoreline.

“I don’t think it’s a coincidence. If you look at our stats all season we’ve scored a lot of doubles, five or seven minutes before half time to kill teams off early doors.

“That had changed in the last few weeks because of the number of games we’ve played. But the lads were bang up for it tonight.

“We’ve got a long summer to relax now and then it’s back to the drawing board.”