Saturday, 30th August 2008

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- Andy Parker – Burton Mail

9th May 1986
Gleeful Gresley Rovers were dusting down their trophy cupboard toady to make space for the £6,000 Keys Cup.

The coveted trophy is the Moatmen's reward for finishing runners-up in the Banks's West Midlands League – an honour they secured with last night's 0-0 draw against Great Wyrley side Harrison's.

Rovers also lift a £500 cash prize plus a goals bonus of £180 - £2 each for the 91 league goals they have amassed in their most successful season since joining the West Midlands elite over a decade ago.

But the Rovers players – who celebrated with champagne after last night's hard-fought clash – will get no permanent memento of their achievement. For the league does not award runners-up medals.

However, the Moatmen received lavish praise from managerial mastermind Frank Northwood.

Said a jubilant Northwood at the end of last night's game: "Now we can live with the best and beat the rest.

"The lads have been so consistent this season. This is a just reward."

And the man that lifted Gresley to the heights revealed that he had gone through agonies during the game.

"The final whistle couldn't come too soon," he said.

Gresley's draw last night means they pip Atherstone United for second place on a vastly superior goal difference.

Halesowen finish champions for the fourth season running while Harrison's are fourth after their first season in the West Midlands top flight.

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