KIERAN Lugsden’s double helped Witton recapture the Mid-Cheshire FA Senior Cup after a four-year hiatus.

That they defeated Congleton, who conquered Albion in the final two terms ago, made victory sweeter.

They led inside three minutes.

Brad Maylett, involved twice in the build-up, crossed low from the right flank to the near post where Lugsden pounced to squeeze the ball home.

The Bears task was made tougher when full back Andy Bostock was cautioned twice before the half hour for fouls on Maylett, leaving his side a man short.

Keeper Adam Wilkes denied John Lawless either side of the break before the hosts sealed victory on 67 minutes.

The former Mariner’s back post free kick was sent back across the area by fit-again Neil Black for Lugsden to fling himself forward to head his second.

But the former Altrincham front runner blotted his copybook, missing out on a hat-trick six minutes later after Wilkes had felled Ashley Dunn inside the box.

Lugsden’s spot kick was saved by the Bears’ custodian diving to his right.

Black produced a moment of magic with a quarter hour left, his quick burst of pace and clever control making room for a shot that he speared straight at Wilkes.

Lawless curved another effort wide of the angle before Albion had their own let-off.

Former Wincham Park forward Andy Hurst did well to escape Brian Pritchard’s challenge and, when Greg Smith looked to have been caught out too, Paul Booth appeared in the nick of time to hack the ball clear.

Witton Smith (GK), Scott (Schwarz 77), Pritchard, Booth, Warner, Maylett, Dunn, Roddy, Lawless, Black (Otobo 82), Lugsden (Thompson 77)
Att 206