GARSTANG FC lifted the Wilf Carr Memorial Trophy with a comfortable victory at the Riverside in front of a sizeable crowd.
And it meant silverware for new boss George Norrie in his first competitive game in charge.
In the build up to this match Garstang beat Longton by six goals to one and then Lancaster Reserves five-nil in the final friendlies of pre-season.
These wins coupled with being the league champions gave the home side plenty of confidence going into the game and they took the match to the visitors in the early stages.
The opening chances of the game were headers which captain Geoff Wilson was unable to direct goalwards from good positions. The Garstang backline was solid and restricted Haslingden to knocking deep crosses into the box which Beesley dealt with well by either catching or punching clear.
The first half was scrappy with both midfields battling hard but there was not much quailty football on display until the latter stages of the half. Garstang fashioned two good openings which fell to Geirke however he was unable to convert them and the chances went begging.
In the second half Garstang took the game by the scruff of the neck and dominated their opponents.
The home side were totally comfortable throughout this half and it was only a matter of time before they took the lead. The visitors only half cleared the ball and it was knocked back into the area where Cummings latched onto it and calmly slotted home.
Baker and Geoff Wilson were in fine form at the centre of the defence and there looked no way back for Haslingden after this goal. The centre halves were well supported by the full backs, Perry Acton and Richard Wilson, and this strong back line gave Garstang the platform to attack with confidence.
Ireland was relishing his new role in the centre of midfield and Howley had a good game wide left on his return to the club. The second goal was an excellant finish from Geirke as he smashed the ball in off the bar from a tight angle.
Garstang had a couple of half chances to extend the lead but in the end they had to settle for a two-nil victory.
This meant that Geoff Wilson had to step forward and lift the trophy on behalf of his team mates.
The league campaign begins next Saturday and Garstang will need to again step up their game to secure the three points. The club would also like to thank the Pickerings Country House Hotel who in addition to being match sponsor have assisted the club further with two new match balls for the coming season.

Team: Beesley, R Wilson, Perry Acton, G Wilson, Baker, Howley, Whittaker, Fawcett, Ireland, Geirke, Cummings. Subs: R Coar, Miller, Matichecchia