NORTHWICH Victoria manager Steve Wilkes paid tribute to the young goalkeeper who helped his side win the Mid Cheshire FA Senior Cup on Wednesday night by beating Winsford United 3-0.

When regular shot-stopper Ryan Hamer picked up an injury in work on Monday, it left Wilkes 48 hours to bring somebody in.

Eighteen-year-old former Salford City youth keeper Bradley Rose, on the books of Radcliffe Borough, turned out to be the answer to the club's prayers.

"A big thank you to Radcliffe Borough and Brad Rose who stepped in as keeper," said Wilkes.

"Ryan got injured at work so we were scrambling around for keepers.

"I thought Brad was excellent and I think he's got a decent future.

"I'm not just saying that because he's helped us out.

"His kicking is phenomenal and he made one or two really important saves as well."

Vics went into the final against Winsford on the back of a poor sequence of results, the outcome of not turning chances into goals and seemingly seeing them drop out of the promotion race.

Wilkes admitted that Vics' aim of promotion has gone and while winning the cup on Wednesday clearly does not make up for that he was pleased to give the fans something to cheer about.

"I'm really pleased for the players, who have had a tough couple of weeks but they've dusted themselves down and put in a great performance to get a great win," said Wilkes.

"I'm pleased for the fans and for the club because to win any trophy is great.

"It's unfortunate we're not going to get the promotion that we started out to get at the beginning of the season, but with five league games left this gives us a bit of confidence. Hopefully we can push on and see where we end up."