DIVISION THREE LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Division Three League Cup Final

Billericay Town once again hosted the final this time between two sides from Division Three East both of whom sit near the top of the table each with realistic chances of the title or promotion.  With Little Waltham having conceded only seven goals to date it was always going to be hard for Great Baddow  to manufacture openings and with five minutes gone they had the worst possible start. A free kick conceded on the edge of the box gave Little Waltham a clear opportunity and Jason Laws described in the programme write up as “liking a free kick” duly stepped up and rammed the ball home giving his side an early lead.  With most of the action taking place in midfield and with both sides giving little time on the ball chances in the box were rare, however with both sides giving their all without shirking tackles the match provided good entertainment for the good crowd that had come to watch. The deadlock was broken in the twentieth minute when a mistimed tackle in the box left referee Rob Eubel, who handled the game well, with no choice but to award a penalty.  Simon Green was handed the ball and he calmly strode up, sent the keeper the wrong way and put the ball in the opposite corner. Great Baddow were playing their part in a good final but the tight Little Waltham defence only gave them half chances which they failed to take and in the thirtieth minute a slip in their own defence allowed  Nick Hoffman a sight of goal and top scorers rarely allow chances to go and he didn’t which put his side three up which stood until he break.

The second half, although both sides did not let up and there were chances for both teams to change the scoreline it was not until there were a few minutes to go that someone found the net.  Unfortunately for Great Baddow, who had played well throughout,  it was Little Waltham in the guise of Marc Miller who netted to end the game 4-0.

The Cup and medals were presented by ex-Ipswich player and local stalwart Brian Honeywood.

Teams

Little Waltham

Simon Clarke, Dave Clout, Simon Green, Mick Griggs, Nick Hoffman, Graham Howson,  Jason Lawes,  Marc Miller, Stuart Nethercott, Kyle Print, Pete Vicary, Danny Warner, Nick Haydon, Carl Wilkinson, Mark Chapman, Ben Rees.

Great Baddow

Lewis Foot, Chris Hibbert, Jason Polley, Dave Cootes, Lee Campion, Pete Monk, Dan Gosling, Dan Bull, Steve May,  Neil Royce, Peri Clark,  Lee Sellick, Noel Grant, Wayne Webb, Phil Masek.

Referee: Rob Eubel

Assistant Referees: Ola Omotsho and Ivan Robb

Fourth Official: Martin Berry