Dales Cup final Richmond Town Academy 0 Unicorn FC 1 A

FIRST-HALF header from Carl Handley was enough to seal the league and cup double for Unicorn FC at Ferrand Park last Saturday, as they denied Richmond Town Academy a double of their own.

Handley rose at the far post to power a header past Academy goalkeeper Carl Latcham midway through the first half as the league champions overcame the determined challenge of Medals Shield winners Richmond.

There had been nothing to choose between the sides in their two league meetings this season – both ending in draws – so it was no real surprise that there was very little between them here either.

Unicorn, playing with the wind in the first half, settled quicker and had the better of the opening exchanges. Gary Nicholson and 37-goal leading scorer Danny Allen both came close to making the breakthrough before Mike Elliott and Handley both headed presentable opportunities over the top.

But the champions did go in front after 25 minutes with the only goal of the game.

Ryan Crowther combined with Allen to win a corner and Chris Duckett’s delivery was powered into the roof of the net by Handley at the far post