Macmillan reached the final of the Cleveland County Cup for the second time in succession, and now has the chance to retain their crown after a gutsy performance against Conyers in Yarm.

Macmillan reached the final of the Cleveland County Cup for the second time in succession, and now has the chance to retain their crown after a gutsy performance against Conyers in Yarm.

The game was played on Conyers 3G-pitch which gave the home side a slender advantage. Conyers started the better side, and had a couple of good chances to take the lead but failed to do so. As the first half drew to a close, Macmillan began to get a foothold in the game with Liam Hogg and Ben Lofts both coming very close to scoring in the first half.

The second half began with Macmillan playing the better football and creating the better chances. They finally took the lead when Liam Hogg latched onto a through ball before blasting it past the keeper at the second attempt. Macmillan continued to press but failed to add to their lead against a strong Conyers defence.

With just 7 minutes remaining, the home side got an equalising with a well taken goal that eluded Ollie Hodgson in the Macmillan goal. The home supporters rallied the Conyers lads and they were now in the ascendancy. Conyers came close to taking the lead but with time running out Nathan Lowe almost scored the goal that would surely have put the lads through to the final.

As it was Lowe was not to be denied. The prolific striker got behind the Conyers rearguard before rounding the keeper and slotting the ball home to silence the home crowd.

A fantastic team effort and we now look forward to the final on Tuesday at Marton Hall Drive (opposition to be confirmed).

Macmillan Team: Ollie, Elliott, Tom, Sam (Captain), Gav, Jake, Ben, Joe, Carl, Nathan, Liam, Brad, Ryan and Charlie

(Submitted by Mr S Coates)