LINNETS Ladies manager John Pickering saluted his team after their high-scoring cup final defeat of champions, West Kirby.

He said to win a trophy at the end of a busy season was brilliant in itself but to do so on home soil made it 'extra special'.

Linnets headed off a late comeback from the title-winning Wirral side to triumph 6-4 in the weekend's Cheshire Women's League Premier Division Cup final at the Millbank Linmets Stadium.

Boss Pickering admitted: "I can’t praise my players enough, but I have to also praise my coaching team, James Sidwell, Lee Buckley and Neil Philip Thornton and Ccub physio Gemma Mooney.

"We’ve all worked hard this season and the credit must go to everyone.'

The triumphant manager added: "Today’s game was a brilliant advert and credit both sides for what turned out to be a thrilling game.

"West Kirby went through the league season unbeaten, they went through the PDLC Cup league unbeaten so take nothing away from my team, playing 45 minutes with 10 players in this hea.

"Then to be level at 4-4 after leading 4-0, most teams would capitulate fully. We didn’t, we believed and we came through.

"The girls have had a good season, finishing third in the league - a single point off second place and two points of the winners with 100 goals for and just 17 against - and Challenge Cup runner-up, losing out on penalties.

"So to end the season as Premier Division League Cup Winners is fantastic. In our six short years, we have won four major trophies.

"We have our end-of-season presentation booked, we will enjoy tonight, take a few weeks off and come back ready to go next season in hopefully a new league if our promotion application is approved,

"I’m pleased for the team and pleased for the club".