Leaver inspires Whitnash to Coventry Charity Cup success

Whitnash celebrate their Coventry Charity Cup success at the Ricoh Arena, the first leg of a potential trophy treble. Picture: David Clough

A 600-strong crowd at the Ricoh Arena saw Whitnash claim a deserved win thanks to a double from man-of-the-match Henry Leaver and a 61st-minute Luke Cole strike.

Town also had three goals chalked off, while Ross Briscoe was twice denied by the post and Friend, whose side still have their eyes on an unprecedented treble, felt his side were always in control of the tie.

“What a fantastic night for Whitnash,” said Friend, whose side return to the Ricoh next Wednesday to face Coventry Copsewood in the Coventry Telegraph Cup.

“AEI lined up 4-4-2 which played into our hands.

“Our midfield three were too strong and we kept the ball for long periods.

“We were a bit disappointed to only go in 1-0 up at half-time as we’d hit the post and had one ruled out for a dubious offside.

“Rugby had their best spell for the first ten minutes of second half but we defended well and our second goal came at just the right time to settle us down.

“Every one of the players deserves praise for an outstanding achievement and all the hard work that coach Si Rea has put in on the training ground has paid off.

“On the night, Jack Taylor, Henry Leaver and John Blunsom were awesome.

“We now look forward to next week’s Coventry Telegraph Cup and hope to make it a cup double.”

Whitnash warmed up for the Charity Cup final by beating visitors Ambleside 7-1 in of the Coventry Alliance Premier League.

The away side actually took the lead in the 35th minute but Town responded almost immediately through Ryan Billington.

Further goals from Luke Cole and Craig Watkin (penalty) gave Town a flattering two-goal cushion at the break but the hosts stepped it up after the restart with Cole going on to complete his hat-trick and Michael Ellis adding a brace.

The victory heaped further pressure on leaders Folly Lane who lost 5-2 to fellow title contenders AEI Rugby.

Whitnash Reserves boosted their Division Three title hopes with Harry Easterlow (2) and Michael Clough on target in a 3-0 home win over Brinklow Reserves.

However, they failed in their attempt to win the Stockton Charity Cup on Easter Monday, going down 2-1 to Gudwara GNP, Easterlow scoring their goal from the spot.