KNEETON Park lifted the Hambleton Ales League Cup on Sunday after beating Streetlam Farmers 3-0 in a tense final at Northallerton Town's Calvert Stadium.

The trophy will sit alongside the Frank Bainbridge division one cup, won two weeks previously after a 4-0 win over Osmotherley Rangers.

Third division Streetlam had battled their way through several ties against clubs from the league's top two divisions to earn their place in the final.

Kneeton started the stronger, having a lot of possession, but failing to create any real chances, with Streetlam's centre backs Stuart and Andrew Chapman keeping the first division side's forwards at bay.

Streetlam's Jamie Callaghan had the game's first real chance after 16 minutes when his free kick forced Kneeton keeper Danny Dale to make a good save.

Ten minutes later Streetlam had another good chance when Nigel Robson fed Michael Craggs, who was disappointed to see his attempted lob go inches over the bar.

Despite having the wind in their faces, Kneeton then started to pile on the pressure, with Micky Dale and Alf Bateman both forcing good saves from Streetlam keeper Geoff Chapman.

Kneeton took a deserved lead after 34 minutes when Mike Gatenby tapped in from close range after the keeper failed to deal with a long-range shot from Danny Shaw.

Streetlam pushed hard for an equaliser towards the end of the half, with Stephen Swales having a shot saved by the Kneeton keeper.

At the start of the second half, Streetlam struggled against the wind to find an equaliser, but it was Kneeton who looked more likely to score.

Bateman again brought a good save from Chapman with a speculative effort from long range after 51 minutes, before Kneeton doubled their lead after 67 minutes when Micky Dale scored direct from a corner.

They made it 3-0 seven minutes later when substitute Matty Pollock broke down the left wing and slotted the ball past the keeper from the edge of the area.

Streetlam fought hard to get a goal back in the dying minutes, but struggled against the wind and some solid defending from Kneeton.

The triumph rounded off Kneeton's most successful season ever and was due reward for manager Joe Stainthorp and assistant Steven Luck, whose commitment and dedication kept the club from folding at the beginning of the season.