2019 Guardian Cup winners Parklands in bid to retain league title

Parklands, runaway champions last season and winners of the Guardian Cup this campaign, need to beat current Warrington and District League Premier Division leaders Haydock on Saturday to keep their hopes alive.

They are currently four points adrift of Haydock with a game in hand in what is a thrilling conclusion to the campaign.

A win for Parklands on Saturday would then leave them needing at least a draw at Avon Villa on Tuesday to retain the title.

To do that, they will have to achieve something they have not yet managed this year - a win against their title rivals when they clash in Widnes on Saturday.

Parklands lost 2-1 at Haydock in the first league encounter and then 1-0 in the final of the Jubilee Cup at Fords Sports and Social Club earlier this month.

But now they have home advantage in their favour.

The double is still possible courtesy of the replayed 3-0 victory over Sankey Vale in the Guardian Cup Final at Warrington Town.

A first attempt to decide the destination of the silverware fell foul of the weather, with rain stopping play.

But when the sides went head-to-head again Mikey Corrigan, skipper Warren Bellew and goalkeeper David Nevitt were at the heart of their triumph.

Action from the Guardian Cup final

After a nervy start to the final, Corrigan converted a well-taken Bellew corner.

Outstanding Nevitt made several saves to keep his side in front before Corrigan struck again in the second half.

He got behind the Sankey Vale defence and lifted the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper.

Parklands added a third goal when Bellew made a great solo run.

After picking up the ball he drifted past two defenders and finished from a tight angle to beat the keeper at the near post.