HOOLAHANS were left to wonder what might have been after they lost the Gordon Bridgewater Cup final to Rubery Social 4-2 on penalties.

The two Advertiser/Messenger sides went head to head at Redditch United's Valley Stadium on Sunday.

Both sides were determined to give their all for victory as fierce tackles flew in from all angles in the first half.

Not surprisingly, it was goalless at the break, as neither side enjoyed the luxury of sustained goalmouth action.

Rubery took the lead in the second half but the game was brought to a halt when Hoolahans' Matt Carter needed treatment for a gash to the head following a clash.

Hoolahans levelled when player/manager Darren Troth turned the ball home.

Still 1-1 at 90 minutes, Rubery began the first period of extra time well and scored through Vinny Ratray to lead again at 2-1.

Hoolahans pressed for the equaliser and were rewarded with a Carter strike.

Extra time reaped no further goals and Hoolahans missed two of their four penalties, handing Rubery a 4-2 victory and the cup.