Black Dog 4 Great Harwood 1

PLAYER-BOSS Matt Hindle inspired Black Dog to another league and cup double with a crushing 4-1 victory over Great Harwood to lift the Calvert Cup.

Hindle was the pick of the crop in the Accrington Combination showpiece final in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Darwen’s Anchor Ground.

Hindle set the tone, a long range effort handing Black Dog the advantage - before he turned provider for Mikey Sargeson, who headed in from close range.

The all-action midfielder then provided the ammunition for Black Dog’s third goal, captain Iain Robinson slotting home from close range.

Great Harwood gave themselves hope when they scrambled home their only goal of the tie before Jordan Evans put the icing on the cake for Black Dog.

Scott Forshaw raced through on goal from the half way line, and although his shot was saved, the re-bound fell into Evans’ path who tucked the ball home.

Black Dog’s Calvert Cup victory arrived days after they had wrapped up the league title, beating Hapton FC by the same scoreline.

“I can’t praise the lads enough for their efforts this season, they’ve been magnificent,” said Hindle.

“Our display in the final was one of our best performances of the season.”

It has certainly proved a spectacular rise for new boys Black Dog who only formed for the start of the 2014-15 campaign.

They finished that season unbeaten, winning the Second Division title and lifting the Alan Mason Cup to cap a remarkable debut year.

And this term the goals continued to flow as Black Dog racked up 127 goals in just 24 starts, leaking just 34 goals in the process.

“We had hoped to go one better this season and win the treble – and we nearly achieved it,” added Hindle.

“We were confident going into the final of the Walmsley Cup against Water FC, who we had beaten four times this season, but it wasn’t to be and we lost out by the only goal.

“However, that will not take the shine off an amazing season for Black Dog and hopefully we can build on the fantastic achievement of this year and defend our titles again.”

The Black Dog Calvert Cup winning team included: Kieron Leonard, Jordan Evans, Nathan Smith, Matt Hindle, Jools Stevenson, Mikey Sargeson, Cameron Ince, James Leech, Iain Robinson, Brendan Livesey, Ryan Holmes. Subs: Danny Leech, Ryan Chatwood, Kyle Bryan, Scott Forshaw, Matt Moore.

n The Accrington Combination is looking for new teams to join next season.

The currently has one divission of nine teams but is looking to expand. Games are played across Hyndburn with matches played on to 3G pitches during the winter months.

For more information, email accycombination@gmail.com