Good night for Day as Brinsworth DC beat holders AFP to win a first Rotherham Charity Cup

He scored both goals as they won the historic competition’s 130th final 2-0 at AESSEAL New York Stadium and stopped their opponents getting their hands on the trophy for what would have been a record-equalling seventh time.

The victors played most of the second half with ten men after having Matt Crookes sent off.

The final was only eight minutes old when Day deftly lobbed DC into the lead and AFP needed a header off the line by Josh Baxter from Sam Green’s centre to prevent a second.

Brinsworth’s first-half dominance was rubber-stamped on the half-hour. The ball broke to Day and he cut inside and picked his spot from 25 yards to make it 2-0. He was an obvious Man of the Match.

Lee Hill, DC’s long-serving player, said: “Harry’s first finish, the lob, was ridiculous. Everyone in the stand was just in awe.

"That’s why he’s the top scorer in the league. I think he’s scored 40 this year; he’s an unbelievable player.”

AFP struggled to get a foothold and were relieved to see Harley Battison screw a great chance wide that would have put DC well and truly in the clear.

The half time break gave AFP time for a much-needed re-group.

They found themselves a man up soon after the restart when Crookes’ crude challenge on Harley Moore was punished by a red card.

The advantage changed the complexion of the game and cup holders were finally able to press.

Jamie Austin’s low drive forced Ross Pritchard into his first serious save of the night and Jack Farrow planted a far post header into the side netting.

They were the last clear chances for last year’s champions, with AFP keeper standing tall to deny a clean through Taylor Nicholson at the other end before the final whistle sounded. The game was well refereed by Dylan Hague.

Lee added: “We thought we should have been more than 2-0 up at half time but it was tough.

"AFP are a good side. We’ve played them many times and it’s only the last four years we’ve come out on top a bit more against them.

"We are finally winning stuff in Brinsworth and it’s been a long, long time in coming.

"The only other team to win the Charity Cup with Brinsworth in its name was Brinsworth Athletic in 2001 so we are so glad to do it.”

AFP: Brunt, Robinson, Farrow, Smith, Hartshorn, Baxter, Greenwood, Moore, Flint, Austin, Roberts

Subs: Lake, Langley, Yousefi, Guarini, Blakemore

Brinsworth DC: Pritchard, Crookes, Froggatt, Green, Hayden, Morris, Hopewell, Nicholson, Tinker, Battison, Day

Subs: Henry, Ellison, Simpson, Hill, Goodwin

Referee: Dylan Hague

Attendance: 821