By Jonathan White and Liam Price, photos by Jonathan White
Nantwich Town U18s were crowned Cheshire FA Youth Cup champions after a thrilling 3-1 victory over Macclesfield FC U18 Elite in the Cheshire FA Boys U18 Cup Final on the evening of Friday 24th April 2026 at the Swansway Stadium in Nantwich.
The showpiece final, originally scheduled for March at Cheadle Heath Sports Club, had been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, but there was nothing dampening the spirits of the Young Dabbers as they completed a long and impressive cup run that began back in September.
Facing into a low, blinding spring glare for much of the first half, Nantwich displayed composure to break the deadlock through Giorgio Di Cicco, who fired in after smart play on the left wing by Kenzie Pickles, who caused trouble for the Macclesfield defence all game.
However, Macclesfield responded on the stroke of half-time, with Tom Warrilow striking in added time to send the sides into the interval level at 1-1.
The second half was a tense and evenly matched contest, with both teams searching for a decisive breakthrough. Dabbers goalkeeper Callum Riley had to make a couple of important saves, including from a free kick from Macc captain Sam Elliott in a period where the Silkmen looked more likely to take the lead.
Di Cicco came agonisingly close to his second of the final, a low shot of his on the turn squirming just wide of the post.
As the game edged into stoppage time still deadlocked, Nantwich found another level.
A free kick from the left was deflected into the path of Pickles, who reacted brilliantly and fired home low into the bottom corner in the second minute of added time to restore the lead, sparking jubilant scenes among the home support.
The crowd was impressively large, easily topping most of the recent attendances for the senior men’s team with the Main Stand almost completely full.
There was still time for one final flourish. A stunning long range free kick effort from Daniel Millington was just about pushed onto the bar by Leighton Kelly but it dropped to James Wale, who sealed the victory in the seventh minute of stoppage time on the rebound. Wale had been subbed on just seconds earlier to make it a truly glorious first touch of the game.
That goal ensured a deserved 3-1 triumph and confirmed Nantwich Town U18s as Cheshire FA Cup champions.
Referee Jon Paul Wakefield was assisted by Andrew Worthington and Freddie Dale, with Simon Richmond acting as fourth official.
Following the final whistle, presentations took place on the pitch, led by the Chair of the County Cups committee alongside Cheshire FA representatives. Macclesfield’s players and match officials received their commemorative medals first, before Nantwich’s jubilant squad stepped forward to collect theirs. Captain Jacob Hall was last to be presented, receiving the trophy before proudly lifting it alongside his teammates in front of celebrating supporters.
Nantwich Town U18 manager Steve Newman praised his side’s determination and character after the match, saying:
“I’m incredibly proud of every single player. They showed resilience, discipline, and belief right until the final whistle. To score twice in added time in a cup final says everything about their mentality. They’ve worked so hard throughout this competition, and they fully deserve this moment.”
The club also extended thanks to its sponsors for their continued support, including Duncan Barber Builders Ltd, Alder Grange Care Home, W O Sheeran Farms Ltd, Capri Electrical Ltd, A Parr Landscaping Ltd, Stuart Palin Butchers Crewe, and Doorstyle Kitchens.
Nantwich Town first entered the youth competition in 1952 and has a proud history in the tournament. This latest success adds to their FA Youth Challenge Cup triumph in April 2023, underlining the club’s commitment to developing young talent both on and off the pitch.
The young Dabbers had to play again less than 48 hours later and were defeated by Bury in the semi-final of the Open Cup. They are still in contention for their league title with the last couple of games left to play.
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Teams
Macclesfield FC U18s: Leighton Kelly, Hal Brierley-Lister, Gus Pearson (Isaac Todd, 59), Joshua King, James Huyton (John Yeates, 85), Sam Elliott (C) (Walter Travis, 85), Freddie Thompson, Tom Warrilow (Zach Abbott, 77), Benji Hand (Kit Campbell, 70), Danny Guiver, Lewis Hubbard
Goal: Warrilow (45+1)
Nantwich Town U18s: Callum Riley, Jake Cooper (Charlie Grimshaw, 55), Drew Sibbald, Daniel Millington (Joseph Townsend, 90+8), Wiktor Sczeploki, Jacob Hall (C), Kenzie Pickles (Harry Edge, 90+8), Giorgio Di Cicco (James Wale, 90+7), BIlly Newman (Travis Smith, 64), Malakai Thomas
Goals: Di Cicco (29), Pickles (90+2), Wale (90+7)