The League headed to Holland FC for the final of The Hewitt Memorial League Cup between Marks Tey and Gaslights, with both looking to secure silverware in what was the only Cup competition being played this season.
Premier Division Champions and Essex County Cup Finalists Gaslights came into the game full of confidence, however it was Marks Tey who started the game the betterof the two teams, forcing a series of corners within the first few minutes of the game, however, were unable to capitalise on this pressure.
This appeared to wake Gaslights up as following this, a quick ball played forward by Jake Mitchell saw Harry Willoughby go one-on-one with the ‘keeper and confidently finish to make it Marks Tey 0-1 Gaslights.
Rather than letting this unsettle them, Marks Tey regained pressure following the re-start and in the 7th minute, saw the ball drop to Luke Wyatt on the right hand edge of the box, who stepped in to the shot and fired it in to the top corner, giving the Gaslights ‘keeper no chance and levelling things at Marks Tey 1-1 Gaslights.
Marks Tey kept the pressure on following their equaliser, with a counter attack through Jamie Giles seeing a great defensive tackle by Kieran Ayling before they managedto turn defence into attack by clearing a corner which was played forward and flicked on by Reuben Dyer into the path of Harry Pinkney who confidently drove forward before unleashing a shot into the bottom corner to make it Marks Tey 2-1 Gaslights with just 12 minutes played.
The game settled after this with the conditions and strong wind playing a pivotal part in how both teams were able to play, with both teams winning a range of cornersand looking to take on shots from distance to take advantage of the conditions.
The next best chance of the game came in the 24th minute for Gaslights when Harry Willoughby flicked the ball on to Jake Mitchell, however his shot was blocked by agreat tackle from Cameron Smith.
Marks Tey then found themselves with a great chance in the 28th minute when Harry Pinkney and Reuben Dyer went on a counterattack, but Reuben Dyer took the wrong option in taking on a shot which he would have been disappointed with.
The rest of the half played out at a fast pace, but with no further clear cut chances as both teams defended well.
Half Time: Marks Tey 2-1 Gaslights
Gaslights made their intentions clear at the start of the second half as they pushed from kick off to capitalise on the wind which was now on their favour and getthemselves back in the game as soon as possible.
In the 48th minute Harry Willoughby won a free kick in a shooting position, which Brooklyn Maiden took control of, however his shot was too heavy and sailed past the goal. Not to be deterred thoughthey would only have to wait until the 50th minute where Harry Willoughby once again secured the ball up front before feeding Toby Harms who instinctively played it back to Harry Willoughby to lash home and make it Marks Tey 2-2 Gaslights.
Willougby had been causing problems all morning and in the 52nd minute beat no less than 3 defenders before feeding Jake Mitchell, however his shot could only hit the post.
In the 60th minute Marks Tey had a chance of their own as Ben Caulfield attempted to lob the Gaslights ‘keeper however was unable to beat him, only to see the ‘keeper play the ball straight down the other end for Harry Willoughby to try his luck with a lob which travelled over the goal.
Gaslights continued to be the team on top and pushing for the winner, despite Marks Tey’s best defensive efforts and it did feel like a matter of when not if Gaslights would find the breakthrough. Chances came for Harry Hewes, Josh Vaughan, and Harry Willoughby all without success as the game tipped past the 75th minute.
In the 79th minute, Harry Willoughby took control of a corner from the left-hand side, and his delivery found the waiting Toby Harms at the back post who headed home to make it Marks Tey 2-3 Gaslights.
The remainder of the game was played out with Marks Tey looking to create one moment to get themselves back in the game, whilst Gaslights continued to press to extendtheir lead. Whilst there were no clear-cut chances, both teams left everything out on the pitch before the referee sounded his whistle to mark the end of the game.
Full Time: Marks Tey 2-3 Gaslights
The Colchester & District Sunday League would like to extend it thanks to Holland FC for hosting this final on behalf of the League once again.
Marks Tey: #1 Lucas Rogers, #2 Tommy Partner, #3 Kieran Brierley, #4 Cameron Smith, #7 Reuben Dyer, #9 Harry Pinkney, #10 Jake Miles, #11 Jamie Giles, #16 Luke Wyatt, #19 Taylor Andrews, #24 Hayden Mihlenstedt. Subs. #5 Spencer Hermon, #8 Harry King, #14 Ben Caulfield, #17 Tom Bayford-Griffiths, #23 Sam Taylor
Gaslights: #1 Stanley Boden, #3 Josh Vaughan, #5 Kieran Ayling, #6 Jack Webb, #8 Toby Harms, #9 Brooklyn Maiden, #10 Harry Willoughby, #14 Jake Mitchell, #15 Jack Stoneman, #16 Ben Girling, #17 Oscar Herbert. Subs. #7 Harry Hewes, #11 Harry McArthur, #12 Jay Jay Cranfield, #17 Cohen Cooper-Macklin, #18 Callum Milton
Match report and photos courtesy of League Sec. Aaron Finch.
Man of the Match was selected by League President, Ernie Osborne, as Harry Willoughby of Gaslights, which he presented to him as well as presenting 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 and to the match officials; Referee: Conner Hodgkins, Assistant Referees : Matthew Hills & Florin Grigoras and Fourth Official: Simon Lewis.
trophy to Gaslights’ Harry Willoughby
