STANLEY 0

GREAT HARWOOD 0

Great Harwood won

3-0 on penalties

GREAT Harwood claimed the VMI Trophy from Accrington Stanley after the game was settled by a penalty shoot-out for the second successive year.

And it is a massive boost to the Robins as they start a new season in a higher division, with new manager Dave Bradford, on Saturday.

The North West Counties side, who were promoted to Division One last season, were under the cosh for large periods but had goalkeeper Bobby Harris to thank for a string of good saves to deny their Conference neighbours.

In other areas of the pitch, right back James Coonan proved he will take no prisoners with his full-blooded challenges, Sam Pope showed some good touches on the left wing, John Eastham looked strong after a season ruined by injury and strike partner Paul Mashiter showed a great turn of pace in attack.

Great Harwood's assistant manager Dave Sharples said: "Bobby was superb and I was impressed with our lads.

"It sets us up nicely for Saturday and getting a trophy before the season kicks off is good for confidence."

Stanley manager John Coleman, meanwhile, was less than impressed after seeing his side play 180 minutes, plus a penalty shoot-out, without scoring a goal following defeat at Southport last weekend.

"It's disappointing not scoring but it was a false game because you're never going to play in a game where you've got that much possession or shots," he said.

"Young Bobby was inspired though. On another night we win 10 or 11-0 and everyone goes home happy.

"Hopefully all our bad luck is out of the way now before the season starts."

Stanley hit the woodwork three times, while Harris was in particularly impressive form to keep out a number of chances, with livewire midfielder Ian Craney keeping him the busiest as he peppered the goalmouth with shots.

Lee McEvilly forced Harris into a save as early as the third minute before Paul Mullin headed against the bar from a corner.

Great Harwood ventured forward with Coonan, who had been booked for a horror tackle on McEvilly moments earlier, driving straight at goalkeeper Jon Kennedy following a good build-up.

The Robins started the second half well, with Eastham, who is continuing his rehabilitation from knee surgery, having a shot charged down by Robbie Williams, and Pope being unlucky to see his 25-yard shot whistle just over the bar.

But Stanley created the bulk of chances, despite drip-feeding 10 substitutes. Craney again caused Harris problems but couldn't find a way past the Harwood stopper, and it was a similar story for Mullin.

A penalty shoot-out was on the cards.

Pete Smith got the ball rolling for Great Harwood, followed by successful spot kicks for Eastham and Chris Heslop. And that was all it took to win as Peter Cavanagh and Damien Hindle had their efforts saved by Harris, while Paul Cook hit the post.

STANLEY: Jon Kennedy; Peter Cavanagh, Steve Halford, Robbie Williams, Stuart Bimson; Ian Craney, Ged Brannan, Steve Jagielka, Paul Howarth; Paul Mullin, Lee McEvilly.Subs: Blake Naughton, Paul Cook, Steve Hollis, Eddie O'Neill, Danny Alcock.

GREAT HARWOOD: Bobby Harris; James Coonan, Paul Gaulthorpe, Anthony Green, Chris Steele; Darren Rodgers, James Dean, Dennis Hill, Sam Pope; John Eastham, Paul Mashiter. Subs: Pete Smith, Chris Heslop.

Attendance: 301