Cockermouth Thunder’s second trip to a finals day proved a successful one but they were made to fight all the way by Castletown United.

Thunder won the Under-14 League Cup after penalties on their previous visit, and they were forced to go all the way on their second trip to the finals at Frenchfield.

Thunder were also hunting for the cup double as well as an unbeaten league campaign in the 2016/17 season.

United had been hot on their opponents heels all season.

Castletown started stronger and tested Cockermouth early on.

Andrew Bell flashed a shot from the right across goal as his side gained confidence. United’s Ben Vickers took a free kick which troubled the Thunder keeper and captain Jack Dixon, but he collected the ball well.

Danny Gould almost converted for Castletown but his header was cleared off the line at the back post. Winger Danny Carcu continued Castletown’s dominance and whipped in an excellent ball from the right but Bell was unable to make a strong enough connection on it in the box.

Carcu then had a long-range effort narrowly go over the bar and, minutes later, Vickers crossed in a delightful ball which striker James Ellis was unable to reach with his head.

As the half-time whistle blew it was relief for Cockermouth.

The second half saw fewer chances.

Aaron Watters had Cocker- mouth’s first real chance when he weaved away on the left of the box but his shot went wide.

Then the game began to open up. Stephenson dragged a shot wide soon after but minutes after, the full-time whistle went.

There was nothing between the two sides in extra time and it went to penalties. Thunder had the same outcome in the League Cup final last weekend and reigned triumphant. Cockermouth hit the target to win the cup.