8th April 2007 - Ruby Challenge Cup Final
AFC Phoenix 3 - 2 Rosebud
Wivenhoe Town FC, Broad Lane, Wivenhoe.
In glorious weather on Easter Sunday and a sizeable crowd in attendance the match kicked off with Rosebud facing the bright sunlight.
In the early part of the match play was evenly balanced and mainly confined to midfield, but, after 12 minutes AFC Phoenix had a good chance to open the scoring but were denied by the Rosebud keeper, John Gallagher, who saved well.
In the 21st minute Rosebud opened the scoring with a well taken goal by
Richard Meadows. AFC Phoenix quickly responded and within the next couple of minutes twice came close to equalising but were again denied by some fine goalkeeping.
After 44 minutes play and half time approaching
Craig Bannister in the centre of the pitch collected a pass from the left, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the net for an equaliser.
Half Time : AFC Phoenix 1 - 1 Rosebud
With the match still evenly balanced another Rosebud attack in the 64th minute saw them take the lead again when
Kev Savory steered the ball home from 12 yards.
Three minutes later an incident close to the half way line involving a Rosebud striker saw their team reduced to 10 men when referee Steve Woods produced a red card and within 2 minutes of the sending off AFC Phoenix drew level when some good play saw
Craig Bannister score his second from close range.
Rosebud despite only having 10 players continued to press forward but in the 75th minute an AFC Phoenix attack saw
Craig Bannister head home his third goal to put his side ahead for the first time.
In the dying minutes of the game Rosebud continued to push forward and put AFC Phoenix under pressure and almost equalised with a firm shot from the edge of the penalty area as time ran out.
Full Time : AFC Phoenix 3 - 2 Rosebud
John Gallagher the Rosebud keeper maker a fine diving save. (37 mins)
A Rosebud striker rounds the AFC Phoenix keeper but the defenders get back in time to prevent a goal. (49 mins)
Rosebud's Kev Savory (far right) raises his arm in celebration having just put his side 2 - 1 ahead. (64 mins)
League Patron Mr Ted Maidens with the Ruby Challenge Cup and medals.
Craig Bannister, AFC Phoenix hat-trick scorer receiving the Man of the Match trophy from Mr Maidens.
Barry Rawlings, Team Manager of Rosebud receiving the Runners-up trophy
Kieren Betts, Captain of AFC Phoenix, receiving the Ruby Challenge Cup from Mr Ted Maidens.
