The year’s Ernie Osborne Challenge Cup Final saw the League venture over to Alresford Colne Rangers FC for the fixture between Sokretez vs Vikings.
Sokretez made their intentions clear from the outset of the game applying immediate pressure on the Vikings backline, with an a free kick in the 2nd minute which failed to trouble the ‘keeper and a presentable chance in the 3rd minute which Tommy Morgan blazed over, before in the 8th minute they were able to make their chances count. A corner was played to the edge of the box and met with a lovely, volleyed finish by Ronnie Willis to make it Sokretez 1-0 Vikings.
Sokretez looked to extend their lead after this, with another free kick in the 12th minute which they failed to make count and a corner in the 16th minute which saw Nathaniel Spencer met the ball with his head, only to head it straight at the keeper.
As the half progressed, both teams had spells of possession and it was again Sokretez who had the next chance with Darren Gilmore meeting a cross in the Vikings box only to see his header saved by Grant Burnby in the Vikings goal. Vikings then had their best chance of the game so far as they managed to get the ball into the net, however the offside flag was raised to deny them.
In the 36th minute, Vikings were able to get themselves back in to the game as a free kick on the right-hand side saw Steve Eaton play the ball in to the box with what seemed to be a cross, however it deceived Sokretez ‘keeper Frankie Ellis-Hall and made its way in to level things. Sokretez 1-1 Vikings.
Vikings looked to follow this up as James Law took a shot from distance but was unable to keep it down however in the 40th minute, it would be Sokretez who regained the lead as Charlie Parmenter and Martin Mina combined down the right hand side of the pitch and Charlie Parmenter who had continued his run found himself receive a loose ball in front of goal and was able to finish confidently to make it Sokretez 2-1 Vikings.
Before the half was out Sokretez were awarded another free kick and looked to further extend their lead, however Jack Justice saw his shot hit the bar and the rebound in front of goal was blasted over by Charlie Ellis-Hall before the half time whistle sounded.
Half Time: Sokretez 2-1 Vikings
Following the resumption of the game, the first 10 minutes became an even affair, with both teams having a share of possession yet unable to create any real chances. It was the 57th minute before the next real chance came as Sokretez played a ball across the Vikings box with no one there to meet it, however they were able to regain possession in the 58th minute and break into the box, which saw them fouled and a penalty awarded. Charlie Ellis-Hall stepped up for Sokretez and beat the ‘keeper, making it Sokretez 3-1 Vikings.
Sokretez were playing with real confidence at this point and Vikings were finding it difficult to regain possession and build any momentum, with another Sokretez free kick in the 63rd minute blasted over by TJ Martin before in the 64th minute Sokretez were able to further extend their lead. Martin Mina was played through and was able to finish from the edge of the box past the Vikings ‘keeper to make it Sokretez 4-1 Vikings.
Straight from the re-start Sokretez again regained possession and as a ball was played forward, the Vikings defender lost out in the air to Jack Justice whose header was met by the dangerous Ronnie Willis who latched on the ball and finished well. Sokretez 5-1 Vikings.
The game had reached the 75th minute for any further chances were created, and when it did come, it was Sokretez again who first saw Peter Jelley cross the ball which Craig Fuller met with an overhead kick but was unable to get it on target and then Charlie Parmenter break down the right hand side and play the ball to Ronnie Willis who also was unable to keep his shot down. Their next attack was stopped by a rash challenge, which saw Vikings’ Freddie Fuller shown a yellow card, but Jack Justice was unable to test the keeper from the resulting free kick.
In the 83rd minute, Vikings who had continued battling to their credit, were able to play a ball in to the box and Steve Eaton met this with a great header to score and reduce the deficit. Sokretez 5-2 Vikings.
Despite their best efforts, Vikings struggled to test the Sokretez ‘keeper after this and also saw a goal ruled out for offside in the dying seconds, before the full time whistle was blown for a well deserved Sokretez victory.
Full Time: Sokretez 5-2 Vikings
Commiserations to Vikings who fell just short in what was a great final played in the right spirit by both teams.
Ernie Osborne was in attendance to present the medals and trophies and selected today’s Man of the Match as Ronnie Willis of Sokretez.
Thank you to Ernie Osborne, both teams and their supporters and to Alresford Colne Rangers FC for their hospitality.
Sokretez
1. Frankie Ellis-Hall, 2. Darren Gillmore, 3. TJ Martin, 8. Tommy Morgan (C), 9. Jack Justice, 10. Charlie Ellis-Hall, 14. Craig Fuller, 15 Nathaniel Spencer, 17. Ronnie Willis, 22. Martin Mina, 23. Charlie Parmenter. Subs: 4. Bradley Dellar, 6. Jamie Welsh, 11. Peter Jelley, 13. Ryan Faloon, 21. Harrison Fitzgerald.
Vikings
1. Grant Burnby, 3. Lee Richards, 4. James Tweddell, 5. Blake Panrucker, 2. Shaun Connors, 7. Frederick Fuller, 8. Billy Whittaker, 9. Steve Eaton, 10. Charlie Borg, 6. Sam Swift, 20. James Law. Subs: 15. Luke Gamby, 11. Jack Hale, 12. Connor Hale.
Assistant Referees Mark Jones and Matthew Hills
Fourth Official David Byrne
Winners of the 2022/23 Ernie Osborne Challenge Cup