22nd April 2007 - Ernie Osborne Challenge Cup Final
AFC Lexden 2 - 3 Colne Star
Alresford FC
The Ernie Osborne Challenge Cup Final between AFC Lexden and Colne Star was played in glorious sunny conditions in the pleasant surroundings of the Alresford Colne Rangers ground.
The game began with both teams trying to play controlled football in an evenly contested opening.
After a spell of pressure from AFC Lexden it was Colne Star who took the lead on 30 minutes as Mark Gridley ran onto a through ball to slot it past the keeper and into the net off a post. (0 - 1)
However, it was soon the turn of the AFC Lexden No 14 to level the game on 37 minutes when hesitancy in the Colne Star defence allowed him to nip in and score from close range. (1 - 1)
Half-time : AFC Lexden 1 - 1 Colne Star.
The second half continued at a good pace and after a brief spell of pressure it was AFC Lexden's No 7 who put his team ahead on 53 minutes. (2 - 1)
This unsettled Colne Star for a spell but as they settled again they were pulled back on level terms when James Cole slotted the ball home from a good cross. (2 - 2)
This was after 67 minutes and the game remained evenly contested and with a good momentum in rising temperatures.
However, on 75 minutes, a long throw into the AFC Lexden goalmouth ended up with the loose ball being banged home for Colne Star's James Cole to score his second goal and put his team 3 - 2 ahead.
The intensity of the game heightened as first, on 80 minutes, the AFC Lexden keeper stretched to claw the ball away and keep his team in the game, and on 85 minutes he saw his team hit the Colne Star crossbar, only for Colne Star to reply by hitting the AFC Lexden post just two minutes later.
The game was hotly contested right up to the final whistle which saw Colne Star edge home 3 - 2 winners.
Full Time: AFC Lexden 2 - 3 Colne Star.
Ernie Osborne presenting Man of the Match to Dean Sillett
Ernie Osborne presenting the Winners Cup to Martin Cook, Colne Star Captain
Ernie Osborne presenting the Runners-Up Cup to Paul Bleck, AFC Lexden Captain
