DIVISION TWO LEAGUE CUP FINAL REPORT

Division Two League Cup Final

Hawkwell Athletic 1 Little Waltham 0

The Cup Final season got off to a great start with a cracking cup tie with no quarter asked or given, yet played in a good spirit.

Terry McGrath of Hawkwell Athletic had the first chance when with a shot from the edge of the box in the first minute. Little Waltham responded three minutes later when Dave Streetley’s free kick was tipped over the bar by Dave Reddy in the Hawkwell Athletic goal. This was the start of concerted pressure by Little Waltham, a neat flick by Tony Lock put in Ben Fuller who fired over. This was followed by a good save at his near post by Dave Reddy who knew he would be in for a busy evening.

On twenty five minutes Hawkwell Athletic broke down the right with Trevor Sallery who’s cross found Terry McGrath who had his hot blocked with the rebound falling to Matthew Blackshaw who fired into the left hand side of the goal. This being the first goal Little Waltham had conceded in the competition having scored twenty seven in reaching the final.

On thirty one minutes Dave Reddy pulled off his best save of the night turning over a lashed back pass by one of his own defenders.

Half Time Hawkwell Athletic 1 Little Waltham 0

The second half started as a mid field tussle. The first clear chance of the half fell to Hawkwell Athletic’s Trevor Sallery on the break when his long range shot was touched on to the post by Richard Logan in the Little Waltham goal.

At the mid point of the half the Hawkwell Athletic goal led a charmed life when Richard Bastain’s shot hit the angle of the post and bar. The pressure on the Hawkwell Athletic goal continued to rise and on the half hour Tony Lock’s long range effort cam back off the crossbar and bounced away to safety. With seven minutes to go Hawkwell’s name clearly appeared to be on the cup when the ball stayed out of their goal after a mass goal mouth scramble which included at least four attempts on their goal. Little Waltham’s final chance was the same as their first with Dave Reddy turning over Dave Streetly’s free kick. Referee John Roberts final whistle sparked scenes of disbelief and celebration from the Hawkwell Athletic players. At the presentation Little Waltham showed all that is good in football with their warm and genuine applause as Hawkwell Athletic collected the Cup.

Full Time Hawkwell Athletic 1 Little Waltham 0

For photos please go to

https://www.flickr.com/photos/essex-veterans-league/sets/72157651686724662/