A last-minute strike from substitute Nicky Ward snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory for St Paul’s Celtic over Regent’s Park Estate in the Islington Gazette Cup final at Market Road.
Premier Division side Regent’s Park Estate twice took the lead against their Division One opponents.
But Michael McTiernan equalised on both occasions to set up a thrilling last 10 minutes – and having replaced Mark Wilkinson, Ward pounced to grab a late winner.
Manager Paul Kennedy said: “That was our first cup final and we have two more, with the last one on May 30 against Admiral in the Ken Doherty Memorial Cup.
“We have the chance to do the quadruple as we’re four points away from winning the league too.”
St Paul’s have every chance of doing so as they attempt to overtake the league leaders Camden Lions with their two remaining games in hand – and the cup final victory has understandably swelled the manager’s confidence.
Kennedy added: “It’s the first time a club outside the top flight has won it, so it’s a great achievement and there’s a lot more to come.
“It will be difficult moving up to the Premier League, but we’ve already beaten top-flight teams and knocked Islington Boxing Club out 6-1 in an earlier round.”
St Paul’s, who have lost only once this season, stormed into the final with a 5-2 win over Division Two side North West Chaps, while Regent’s Park had to rely on a penalty shoot-out win against Camden Lions.
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