Coop the matchwinner as Tempest secure final spot

Jordan Coop’s back post header after 15 minutes was the difference between the two sides on a nervy and blustery night at Croston.

Coop rose highest to convert one of the game’s very few chances to set up a final tie with Hesketh Bank in May.

Wrens, who had beaten Tempest 2-1 in a league game less than two weeks ago, threw everything at Tempest in a frantic second-half but were repelled time and again by Coop and his defensive partner Liam Pearcy who won countless headers.

Tempest could have led within 40 seconds – a left wing cross finding its way to Joel Shorthouse whose volley was well parried by Nicholas Henshall-Flynn in the Wrens goal.

With the wind causing havoc, both sides admirably tried to play football on the drying surface but it was a set-piece that undid Wrens.

A right-wing corner was bent to the far post where Coop outjumped his marker to bury his header from four yards.

Wrens took the game to Ross McNair’s side with Kian Makepeace and Danny Fletcher at the heart of all their endeavours.

With the wind behind them, Wrens dominated possession in a tense second-half but again failed to breach Tempest’s back line.

Rob Hanslip’s snatched volley rolled wide as the clock ticked down and after four minutes of stoppage time in the gathering gloom, Wrens’ hopes of a second successive Richardson Cup Final appearance were over.

Four yellow cards were shown after the final whistle – two for each side – as emotions boiled over.

Tempest were left to celebrate a third final in five seasons – they beat Coppull in 2022 and lost to CMB in 2024.

They will now meet Hesketh Bank, who beat Eagley 1-0 on Monday, in the final week commencing May 4 (date and venue TBA).