The League returned to Holland FC this week, for the final of The Hewitt Memorial League Cup between The Tips and Toosey who had been locked in a season long battle; Toosey just crowned Champions of Division Two following victory over The Tips, but The Tips earlier named champions of The Ernie Osborne Challenge Cup following victory over Toosey, so a thrilling encounter was expected!
Following kick off, Toosey were the first to create a chance with Jayden Hanna getting through down the left-hand side, however he was only able to shoot wide whenin front of goal. This was unfortunately followed by a very early change for The Tips, as Aran Yarwood had to be replaced due to injury before the game settled as both teams looked to gain possession and gain the early advantage.
The game was in the 8th minute before the next real chance which again came to Toosey, with Taylor McAndrews getting himself free and into a shooting opportunity,however his shot was saved by The Tips ‘keeper before the resulting corner saw Josh Vaugan take on a shot from distance which sailed well wide of the goal.
The Tips responded with some attacks of their own, however a series of crosses in to the box failedto create a clear scoring opportunity, before in the 13th minute Harvey Evans managed to get a shot away by attempting to lift the ball over the Toosey ‘keeper and into the net, but he connected too well and the ball dropped over the bar.
Toosey responded with a chance from James Webb, who chested the ball down and unleased a shot, but it was straight at the ‘keeper.
It was the 29th minute before the next real chance for either team, as The Tips switched play to the left where Harvey Evans brought the ball down and got his shot away which Toosey were able to clear, before Toosey themselves broke on the counter attack down the right hand side where James Webb demonstrated some great footwork and delivered the ball across the box, however there was no one there to meet the cross and finish.
In the 32nd minute, The Tips’ Harvey Evans again came down the left-hand side and got a shot away, but could only shoot over, before continuing to cause problems down that side on further attacks, drawing a foul from Toosey to win a free kick in a crossing position. Unfortunately, however the cross was cleared, allowing Toosey to break on the counter once again, resulting in James Webb getting a shot away which was deflected for a corner.
In the 40th minute, Toosey cleared the ball long downfield which James Webb chased as The Tips failed to defend it, however his first time shot was wide. Toosey continued to press, and a free kick delivered by James Webb offered a chance to take the lead, however evaded everyone in the box before the half time whistle shortly followed.
Half Time: The Tips 0-0 Toosey
With the second half underway, Toosey took control of the ball and immediately won a corner which James Webb stepped up to take and from this delivery, Brandon Hunt was there to meet the ball with his head and beat The Tips ‘keeper to give Toosey an early second half lead.
The Tips 0-1 Toosey.
The Tips looked for an immediate response with Harvey Evans creating some room in the box and cutting the ball back to Lewis Mounteney, however his shot was clearedoff the line by a Toosey defender to maintain the lead they had just taken.
In the 55th minute it was James Webb once again for Toosey looking dangerous, with him played down the right and showing a great first touch to cut inside and shoot, but his shot was straight at ‘keeper Weller in The Tips goal.
The game continued in stop start fashion after this, with both teams looking to create opportunities and plenty of goal kicks and throw ins being awarded, before in the 67th minute The Tips delivered a free kick into the box and despite the initial shot being saved by Toosey ‘keeper Oscar Lawrence, Harvey Evans was able to set himself and slam home to get The Tips back in to the game.
The Tips 1-1 Toosey.
Toosey now looked to respond to being pegged back with a host of chances. Firstly, with a ball played across the box by James Letts which evaded everyone before James Webb attempted a shot which he didn’t connect cleanly with and finally Taylor McAndrews shot but could only shoot over.
The game reached the 77th minute before The Tips had their next chance, with Lewis Mounteney taking on a shot from distance which was held by the ‘keeper, however it was Toosey who again found themselves on the attack after this, with Samuel Thompson getting a shot away which was saved by the leg of The Tips ‘keeper Rob Weller for a corner.
The Tips were able to defend the resulting corner and break on the counter attack, however as Harvey Evans chased the ball down, some brave goalkeeping from Toosey’s Oscar Lawrence saw him come out the box and head clear to avert the danger.
That braveness would prove vital as in the 83rd minute, Toosey won another corner which was delivered by James Webb and this time met by the head of Samuel Thompson who was able to beat the ‘keeper and regain Toosey’s lead.
The Tips 1-2 Toosey.
Despite the best efforts of The Tips, they were unable to find a way back into the game after falling behind again and the referee blew his whistle on what had been a highly entertaining game, meaning Toosey were able to celebrate the double of winning Division Two and The Hewitt Memorial League Cup.
Full Time: The Tips 1-2 Toosey
The Tips : #1 Robert Weller, #2 Jack Cracknell, #3 James Whiting, #5 Alexander Taylor, #6 Luke Craig, #8 Lewis Mounteney, #9 Rory Warin, #10 Blake Keogh-Kedar, #11 Archibald Herbert, #58 Aran Yarwood, #99 Harvey Evans. Subs. #4 Ryan McMahon, #7 Jake Boley, #12 Samuel Winney, #18 Callum Durrell, #23 Elliott McMillan
Toosey : #1 Oscar Lawrence, #5 Oliver Lamb, #6 Brandon Hunt, #7 James Webb, #8 Josh Vaughan, #9 Taylor McAndrews, #10 Toby Harms, #11 Jayden Hanna, #12 Jenson Mulqueen, #13 Cameron Dolphin,#17 Harvey Cowler. Sub. #2 James Letts, #3 Samuel Thompson, #4 Steve Downes, #14 Nathaniel Spencer, #18 Scott Wass
Thank you to our Match Officials; referee Keith Ross, his assistants Simon Lyons & Lee Butcher and fourth official Geoffrey Cook.
The League was once again delighted to be joined by League President, Ernie Osborne who selected Brandon Hunt of Toosey as the man of the match, as well as presenting the trophies to the Match Officials, Runners Up and Winners.
The Colchester & District Sunday League would like to extend it thanks to Holland FC for hosting this final on behalf of the League.
Match report and photos courtesy of League Sec. Aaron Finch.
