BBC Essex Premier Cup – survivor16b

S21-22 Match Report: Woodford East 0 – 2 Sungate (EPC Final – Wed 13 April) [14.4.22]

BBC Essex Premier Cup – Final

Venue: New Lodge 3G

2021-22 Season: Match 71

Attendance: 448

Wednesday 13th April 2022 – 7.45pm KO

Woodford East: Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks

Sungate: Blue Shirts, Navy Blue Shorts, Blue Socks

Sungate celebrate their triumph with the Trophy, with refereeing team (left) looking on [Image by Essex County FA]

Sungate secure Cup glory with enterprising win over East at New Lodge

Woodford East 0 – 2 Sungate

Match Report & Photos by Scott W [Twitter: @ScottMHC14]
and additional photos by Essex County FA [Twitter: @EssexCountyFA) and Essex Alliance Lge/Rob P [@EssexAllianceFL] (used with thanks)

The main midweek match was a welcome return to New Lodge for this season’s Essex Premier Cup Final, which saw EAL Senior newcomers Woodford East take on established EOFL side Sungate in the Intermedicate competition. I’d like to note that the occasion was well-run by the Essex County FA and the match had a terrific attendance. Woodford East were looking to mark their first season as a Step 7 side with silverware and fielded Alfie Watts between the posts, with Ben Smith, captain Frank Glock and Will Letchford in midfield. Connor Brathwaite and Callum Maltese led the forward line, with support from Adam Tabbani. Their substitutes included defenders Kieran Bruns and John Gilley plus forward Billy Barr.

Sungate had Stefan Lemacq in goal and a back four of Sam Elwood, Will Halford plus experienced centre-backs Daniel Callaway and William Wells. Stalwart Scott Truman skippered the side, with a forward line comprised of Ciaran Kelly, Lee Samways and George Johnson. Options on the bench included the forward-minded Kyran Chiedozie, Thomas Drayton, Arif Mustapha and Jake Willis.

Adam Tabbani (5) and Kai Law (3) look to re-engerize East’s forward moves in 1st half [Image by Scott W]

There was a well-held view that this game would be an entertaining match to watch and it certainly did not disappoint on that front. The first good chance arrived with only two minutes played, as the rapid James Smith made one of several excellent darting runs down right flank, his cross found the advancing Scott Truman who struck narrowly wide of Alfie Watts’ right-sided post. East responded at the other end with centre-back Matt Stacey’s well-directed header which was narrowly off-target two minutes later.

As the first half progressed, it was more evident that Sungate were the more cohesive passing side, with James Smith and Sam Elwood in particular joining up well down the right flank. East did have their moments, but were stifled by resolute defending by the Essex Olympian Premier side. That resoluteness was displayed as Bobby Port’s side made a fine last-ditch interception to deny Callum Maltese a big chance at Stefan Lemacq’s goal. The only thing that prevented the Olympian side taking the lead was a missed spot-kick by the impressive James Smith, as his penalty was skewed wide of the left-side post.

Sungate full-back Elwood (2 – far right) launches another good run down the flank [Image by Scott W]

Frustratingly for the big contigent of supporters backing Woodford East, they couldn’t conjure up many chances, with forward Callum Maltese curling a fine strike from outside the penalty area narrowly wide of left-side post, much to Lemacq’s relief. Smith was again in the action for Sungate, as his good pass found substitute Jake Willis but his effort couldn’t find the target. We got to the break with the no goals perhaps, but plenty of intrigue with Sungate edging it due to their stronger passing and creating more chances.

Half-Time: Woodford East 0 – 0 Sungate

Two captains in view, Glock makes a run for East, shadowed by Sungate skipper Truman [Image by Rob P/EAL]

After the break, the match resumed at a searing pace. Centre-back William Wells sent a fine header narrowly off-target from a set-piece and you felt that the ‘Gate were the side more likely to open the scoring. That being said, Connor Brathwaite timed his run well and nearly lobbed Lemacq after getting in behind the Sungate backline.

As it turned out, Sungate did break the stalemate on 63 minutes with a superb team move. A fast passing exchange between Smith and Lee Samways ended with the latter finding George Johnson on the left edge of the penalty area before sending in a fine curling strike beyond Watts, much to the delight of their fans. Willis had fired a fierce drive wide of Watts’ goal but Sungate did get that crucial gsecond goal with seven minutes remaining. Substitute Thomas Drayton’s strike was well crowded out by two East defenders but the ball was recycled well and fellow replacement Arif Mustapha slotted home from close range.

James Smith (7) in possession for Sungate [Image by Rob P/EAL]

East clear to deny Smith (7) another oppurtunity down right flank [Image by Scott W]

The last few minutes saw both sides looking to add further goals, but two goals was enough to see Sungate to a fine win and take home the cherished Trophy, continuing the recent dominance of Olympian League sides in this competition.

Full-Time: Woodford East 0 – 2 Sungate

In summary, Sungate looked the more assured of the two sides, created more chances and played at an impressive tempo to claim their first-ever Essex Premier Cup. Bobby Port’s team also defended resolutely when needed while East couldn’t create enough chances to continually threaten the ‘Gate defence. They can be very proud of their run to the Final though and their league aspirations continue.

There were a number of excellent performances in this Final. For victors Sungate, winger James Smith had an outstanding display. Showcasing a huge array of pace, work rate, passing and crossing ability – Smith undoubtedly had a fine influence on his team’s attacks. Next, centre-back Daniel Callaway exuded his team’s attitude to resolute defending, making several important challenges. Lastly, full-back Sam Elwood showed good energy and linked up well with Smith on the right flank, plus forward George Johnson had good movement and took his goal really well.

For Woodford East, forward Connor Brathwaite did keep the opposition defence alert making good runs and utilising good passing. While he did spurn East’s best chance, Brathwaite was well stopped by the ‘Gate backline. Will Letchford also had a good game, making good runs from deep which were hard to track. Forward Callum Maltese also showcased his pace and trickery at times while centre-back Matt Stacey made a number of good interceptions to keep his side in the match.

Best wishes to both teams for the rest of the campaign.

Teams

Woodford East | Manager: Halil Hassan | Assistant: Gary Wotton

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Alfie Watts (GK), 3 Kai Law (2 John Gilley 88′), 21 Sonny Feltwell, 4 Matt Stacey, 7 Eren Mehmet (6 Kieran Bruns 66′), 10 Ben Smith (18 Frankie Lane 64′), 14 Will Letchford (20 Liam Evans 90′), 15 Frank Glock (Capt), 5 Adam Tabbani (9 Billy Barr 59′), 12 Callum Maltese, 23 Connor Brathwaite

Booked: Stacey, Brathwaite, Gilley, Bruns | Subs Not Used: None

Sungate | Manager: Bobby Port | Assistant: David Deller

Starting XI (Subs): 1 Stefan Lemacq (GK), 2 Sam Elwood, 3 Will Halford, 5 Daniel Callaway, 6 William Wells, 4 Scott Truman (Capt), 8 Josh Addinall, 7 James Smith (14 Arif Mustapha 75′), 15 Ciaran Kelly (9 Jake Willis 25′), 10 Lee Samways (16 Thomas Drayton 81′), 11 George Johnson (18 Josh Steel 87′)

Goal-scorers: George Johnson [63′], Arif Mustapha [83′]

Booked: Smith, Johnson, Wells, Elwood | Sub Not Used: Chiedozie

Referee: Alexander Kyriacou
Assistant: Craig Wood & Benjamin Ridge
Fourth Official: Ryan Smith

Guest Blog: Essex Alliance League Round-up (Wk 14 – Sat 20 Nov) [EAL 21-22 22.11.21]

Hello and welcome to the latest action from the Essex Alliance League, which continues on this blog this season under the “Guest Blog” strand. This edition looks at the action across the League divisions and action in the Fenton Cup & Fenton Trophy on Saturday 20 November. My thanks to the EAL’s Rob Parker. This round-up is posted with the author’s permission. Thanks for reading.

Guest Blog written by Rob Parker for EAL [EAL Twitter: @EssexAllianceFL]

With additional reporting by Scott W

Essex Alliance League Round-up- Sat 20 November

FENTON CUP

There was further Fenton Cup action this weekend as the first round action came to a close with Jolof Sports at home to Kit Out London, both seeking a place in the last sixteen. A close game saw the two teams finish level at 2 – 2 at full-time, forcing the game into a shootout in which Jolof held their nerve to win it 4 – 2. They now head on to face FC Petrocub in the next round.

In the day’s second round action on an adjoining pitch, two of the league’s Premier Division sides met in East Ham with hosts London Cranes taking on Oakside with a place in the quarter finals the reward for the winner. In an eleven goal thriller, it was ‘Side who eventually prevailed by the odd goal, winning 6 – 5 to confirm a home quarter-final against DTFC. Oakside’s scorers were Brandon Burgess, Kieren Huddart, Jed Ofori, Luke Caston, Demi Elegushi and Mussa Jamanca.

FENTON TROPHY

In the Fenton Trophy, there were four further ties completed with Royal Forest Reserves’ perfect record put to the test as the Division Three leaders faced Division Two St Francis. A very closely fought contest was won by a youthful Saints side as Ross Basunda’s goal proved the pivotal moment in the game in a 1 – 0 victory.

Division Two’s Loughton Lions also had a stern test ahead of them as they welcomed an in-form Melbourne Sports side to Debden for their second round clash. Lions have been in some decent form themselves in recent weeks and progressed with 3 – 1 home victory thanks to strikes by Thomas Osmond, Lucas Maxwell and Jordan French to ensure their run in the cup continued.

Another Division Two side safely through are Rainham Working Mens Club as they navigated what proved to be another very competitive game against Division Three’s Glendale. An own goal midway through the first half of the game in Rainham’s favour proved to be the only scoring moment of the game as the Dales couldn’t convert second half pressure into chances, Rainham winning 1 – 0.

The final game from this competition saw six goals as Together United looked to cause a surprise as they were paid a visit by Division Two’s Unitey at Peter May. But it was the higher placed side who made their advantage count with Bubintende Masadi’s hat-trick doing the damage with Mohammed Abaker and Jordan Vib also finding the back of the net in a 5 – 1 win.

SENIOR DIVISION

There was plenty of Senior Division action too over the weekend, despite some sides being involved in cup action, and Chadwell Heath Spartans opened up a five point lead at the top of the table after coming out on the right side of a 2 – 1 win at FC Baresi. Abdirahman Sabriye struck for the hosts but Jack Evans and Aaron Hunwicks replies for Spartans gave them a crucial three points. Lymore Gardens also took advantage of others being out of action to move into the top four, earning themselves a solid win away at FC Petrocub in Noak Hill. Another close game was settled by the odd goal with Andre Rashford and Dylan Roberts efforts the difference as Garden won 2 – 1, their fifth win of the season so far.

Moving into mid-table, Leyton Royal have joined a cluster of clubs sitting on thirteen points following a terrific win on Saturday, defeating Tower United in a 4 – 0 scoreline at Fairlop Oak. That result saw Royal confirm a fourth league win and with games in hand, could still be pushing for a solid top half finish. For Tower, they remain in the bottom three, four points adrift of safety approaching the half way mark. Not far behind Leyton Royal are CSM London who moved to the cusp of mid-table themselves after a hugely important win at Lakeside, beating Rapid Chingford 5-2 to pick up three points. Munnir Saad scored twice with Kamran Khan, Ramone Senior and Leon Barnard goals completing the win in favour of the visitors.

Just a point behind CSM lie Blue Marlin who moved themselves out of the relegation zone on Saturday with a local derby victory against Chigwell Town in Hainault. The journey of just a few yards proved a fruitful one for Marlin, overcoming a John Lye goal for Town with strikes of their own from Nile Laidlaw and Lindsey Marsh to win it 2 – 1.

PREMIER DIVISION

In the Premier Division, there was a huge result affecting the top end of the table as Wapping produced a top performance to send leaders Frenford A to their first defeat of the season. Meeshaq Malone scored twice and Shahid Ali grabbed the other to overturn the only goal in response by Damilola Olaiya for the visitors and give Wapping a 3 – 1 victory to move second, albeit eight points behind the leaders. The top goal scorers in the division are Eastside with thirty-five so far this campaign and they now sit third after coming through an entertaining game against All Prospects. Michael Dager and Abid Haque scored twice each and Basekou Gassama netted the other to overcome a Prospects fight back to win it 6 – 4. It was also a winning Saturday for another side sitting on thirteen points as Dagenham United continued their promotion push with a solid performance on the road away at London Park City. Iaia Jau netted a brace and Shaquille Mathurin grabbed the other to win 3 – 1, United’s fourth league win and placing them just goal difference away from a spot in the promotion places.

With games in hand, Crookz United are one of the sides who could still spoil the party in the promotion places and presently sit eighth in the table from five games after defeating North East Lions in a 2 – 1 scoreline at Peter May. Ben Joao and John Afrane-Kesey goals were the difference between the side, Mace Johnson striking the Lions consolation off the bench.

DIVISION ONE

Belfry have moved to the cusp of the promotion places once again in Division One as they secured a big win at the Marshes, defeating Francis Luke in a 9 – 0 scoreline. Kieran James was in fine fettle with a five-goal haul for his side with Victor Davis, Warren James, Gabriel Ogunwomoju and Luke MacDonald also scoring to confirm a fifth league win on the spin. Second placed RCXI moved a point closer to the leaders but missed the chance to go top as they were held to a 2 – 2 draw away at Something From Nothing. Despite the eleven point gap between the sides going into the game, SFN put in a solid performance against their promotion chasing opponents to earn a big point.

Wanstead remain well placed to make a charge for promotion, sitting fourth and on the back of another league win, having defeated Barkingside A 5 – 0 at the Flats on Saturday. That win saw the in-form Wanstead move to twelve points, five adrift of the promotion places as Edson Lami’s tremendous form continued with another four goals, adding to Suhaib Abeid’s strike. Just a few goals behind Wanstead sit their local rivals Newham Wanderers who are fifth in the table after seven games following their weekend’s efforts, defeating Forest Green 5 – 1 at Leyton Sixth Form College. Nuno Dentampol netted twice off the bench with Seco Embalo, Robertson Morais and Macane Caleir goals rounding off the scoring.

It was also a good afternoon’s work for Kwanzas London Sport who will hope to build on an excellent result as they defeated Ilford Reserves 2 – 1 in Hainault to pick up their first points of the season. Despite a difficult start, that will give Kwanzas plenty of confidence and saw them move off the bottom, just a point adrift from safety.

DIVISION TWO

The high-scoring Old Esthameians have pushed themselves up into the promotion places following the weekend’s results as they earned a local derby victory at home to strugglers Newbury East, winning the game 5 – 0. That confirmed a fifth win in seven this season and became one of four teams level on fifteen points. Another side in the fifteen point club are Emerson & Upminster Reserves who reached that mark with a home win on Saturday as ninth placed Ryan Under 23s were the visitors to Hall Lane. Tobi Onafeko and Danny Gillham were the scorers in the game for Emerson to edge the game 2 – 1, netting their own fifth league victory in the process. Mekhi Charles-Armstrong got the only goal for the Ryan side here.

There was a five goal thriller in the division’s final game where Redbridge Community were the hosts to an FHN Athletic side, the teams beginning the game just three points apart. But that had increased to six by full time as FHN came through a five goal thriller, winning 3 – 2 thanks to goals from Carl Gbolade, Merrill Appiah and Kieran McKoy.

DIVISION THREE

With the leaders out of action in Division Three, FC Baresi Under 23 took full advantage of that situation by recording maximum points at home to Harlow Inter to go top, edging a tight game 4 – 3. Akins Subair scored twice and Jamal Harvey once for Harlow but two Kii Jean-Baptiste efforts plus goals from Harrez Aliane and Hanza Hafesji gave the points to Baresi.

Lymore Gardens Reserves also took advantage of other sides being out of action to move third in the standings following the weekend’s results as they came through 5-3 winners with Flyers Under 23s. Rob Small struck twice and Warren Isoka, Marcel Destouche and Omani Green one each to render Flyers goals from Kai Eaton, Ethan Sowonola and Aaron Weymouth as just consolation. There was an impressive win for ASA too who made home advantage count with a big 6 – 1 victory against Old Barkabbeyans Reserves at the Marshes, leapfrogging their opponents into the top half of the table. A hat-trick of braces done the damage with Jubayed Miah, Atif Haider and Arun Jeyashankar goals proving the difference, Klodian Meta netting the Old Barks reply.

Also in the top half, Buckhurst Way sit fifth in the standings approaching the half way point in the season, aided by their most recent success as they defeated Terin 3 – 0 at Oaks Park High School. Andrei Rizea, Dolapo Gbadamosi and Segun Dickson struck for the visitors to made it five wins from ten so far this campaign.

DIVISION FOUR

In Division Four, Dagenham United Reserves have moved to within three points of the promotion places after an entertaining away victory on Saturday against sixth placed Emerson & Upminster A where the teams share seven goals. Dagenham came out on the right side of a 4 – 3 win with two Cain Dash goals and one each from Mamadou Soumare and Tyler Leon handing their side the win, despite two Robert McKnight efforts and a Bradlee Birch goal for Emerson.

There was also an impressive win for the division’s third highest scoring side, Avondale Rangers, who picked up their third win of the season with a 4 – 2 win at Newham Royals to move their points tally onto nine. Daniel Bordman, Chris Harper, Mark Hayden and Harry Callagher were the scorers to render Gary Adams and Ashley Evett efforts as just consolation in the end. The remaining league game came from Romford where top half Flyers Under 21s were in action against an in-form Newham & Havering Borough side. The sides starting the day just two points apart and that was how it ended also with the teams sharing the spoils in a 1 – 1 draw. Andrew Elie scored for Newham to add another point to their tally, with Alex Grant responding for Flyers.

COUNTY CUP

Woodford East are into the hat for the next round of the BBC Essex Saturday Premier Cup as they came through a competitive game against May & Baker EC A over in Dagenham. East were 5 – 3 winners on the day, thanks to a brace from Billy Barr and one each for Ben Smith, Lucio Uare and Adam Tabbani. Halil Hassan’s side now face a trip to Dunmow Town in the fourth round in January.

It wasn’t such a successful afternoon for DT FC who saw their unbeaten run come to an end this season with a defeat away at Colne Athletic. They were beaten 4 – 1 against the Essex & Suffolk Border League side to end their run in the competition. In the Essex Saturday Junior Trophy, the delayed tie between Felsted Rovers and Fairlop Rovers finally got played and it was the Mid Essex League hosts who took the honours with a solid 2 – 1 win against a previously unbeaten Fairlop Rovers side.

Fixtures – Saturday November 27th (top two tiers only)

EAL Senior Division

Chadwell Heath Spartans v Jolof Sports | Chigwell Hall

DT FC v FC Baresi | Harlow Arena 3G

Kit Out London v Lymore Gardens | Noak Hill 3G

Rapid Chingford v Leyton Royal | Lakeside Sports Ground

Woodford East v Chigwell Town | Hackney Marshes

EAL Premier Division

Crookz Utd v London Park City | Peter May Centre, Walthamstow

Dagenham Utd v London Cranes | Castle Green Leisure Centre 3G

Eastside v North East Lions | Peter May Centre, W’stow

Oakside v Athletic Newham U23 | Fairlop Oak Playing Fields

Wapping v All Prospects | Victoria Park, E9

Match Report: Catholic Utd 1 – 5 Buckhurst Hill (Wed 10 Apr) [EPC Final 11.4.19]

BBC Essex Premier Cup Final

Venue: New Lodge (Billericay Town FC)

Attendance: 266

2018-19 Season – Match 68

Wednesday 10th April 2019 – 7.45pm KO

Catholic Utd: Green & White Hooped Shirts, Black Shorts, Green & White Socks

Buckhurst Hill: Navy Blue & Black Striped Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Hill power past Super Hoops to lift the Essex Premier Cup

Report & Photos by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14)

On a chilly Wednesday night at Billericay Town’s New Lodge, I joined colleague Pete Dudley for this BBC Essex Premier Cup Final between Essex Olympian League (EOFL) heavyweights Catholic Utd & Buckhurst Hill – with the latter riding high on the back of sealing the EOFL Premier Division title a matter of days previously. Catholic Utd named a strong team with Louis Godwin-Green between the sticks, a forward line of Aaron Baldwin, Tom Hollingsworth and Tony Jacobs with player-boss Dan Trenkel and Mark Baptist among those on the bench. For Hill, their front four of Sam Sollosi, Nathan Sollosi, Steve Townsend and Suleyman Zuhdu have chipped in with goals this season in the league, with skipper Billy Wells in the heart of the defence. Sonny Shilling and Fehinti Falola were among the options on the bench.

The match got underway with Utd pushing forward and having the bulk of the forays going forward. Hill had a nervous moment five minutes in as a under-hit back pass to ‘keeper Daniel Blockley was half-cleared though it cannoned off Super Hoops forward Tony Jacobs and before it trickled over the goal-line, centre-back Josh Addinall had the awareness to clear. Hill responded sharply as captain Billy Wells 20-yard curling drive sailed just wide of the right-side post. Moments later, it was the Olympian League champions who took the lead as from a super cross from the right flank, full-back Keaton Moore rose highest to power a header into the net.

Jacobs was the biggest threat for Utd at this point, ghosting all over a fluid Catholic forward line to give the Hill defence a headache, Jacobs also had an effort which sailed over the woodwork. At the other end though, Buckhurst were getting into their stride as prolific forward Steve Townsend was in on goal, one-on-one with Utd stopper Louis Godwin-Green, though the stopped did well to deny Townsend’s low drive. Just before the half-hour, former Bowers & Pitsea midfielder Jamie Salmon blasted a drive from 18 yards which Blockley did well to scout and tip over the bar.

On that half-hour mark, Utd fell further behind as a errant clearance from Godwin-Green looped up in the air but didn’t get the distance as it fell to forward Suleyman Zuhdu who back-heeled it to winger nathan Sollosi who slotted home into an unguarded net. Hill knew they couldn’t concede before the break though Utd had other ideas, with Jacobs once again testing the palms of Blockley with a decent effort on goal. In fairness, Utd were finding the sheer pace, energy and crossing of the Hill front four (the Sollosi brothers, Townsend & Zuhdu) difficult to cope with. After Hill had two half-chances for Townsend and Addinall denied, they did make it 3 – 0 a minutes before the interval.

A rapid counter-attack from Mark Williams’ team saw Nathan Sollosi repay the favour from earlier as his pass found Zuhdu who controlled the ball smartly before beating Godwin-Green on its way into the corner of the net with a well-taken finish. At this point, the score-line was slightly flattering to Hill given the impetus Catholic had shown going forward. Sometimes you get teams ‘slowing down’ after the break, though there wasn’t a bit of it here.

20190410_205108

Half-Time: Catholic Utd 0 – 3 Buckhurst Hill

So, the second-half got going and the chances continued to flow. Moments after the restart, Townsend’s first-time strike cannoned off a post for Hill and Utd hit back soon afterward, as Jacobs was denied yet again by watchful defending on the line by full-back Liam Foster. Mike Sammut’s drive and forward Tom Hollingsworth’s cross-shot couldn’t find the target those misses proved semi-costly.

Two goals in three minutes sealed the win for Hill. On 64 minutes, a loose ball found Zuhdu who sprinted past centre-back Bradley Vaughan and buried a strike past Godwin-Green to make it four and then two minutes later, from a corner arrowed into the near-post by winger Sam Sollosi, Nathan Sollosi rose almost unchanged to nod it high into the net. The goals didn’t end there as Utd got one back with 71 on the watch as a rash punch out by Blockley fell to to Salmon who rifled hop a sweet lob from fully 25 yards out to give his side something to shout about.

That said, that goal seemed to further gee up the Hill forward line who soared back the other end asUtd ‘keeper Godwin-Green prevented further embarassment making good saves to deny the unfortunate Townsend and midfielder Josh Banfield. With all respect to Utd, Hill could’ve had three or four more goals than the scoreline showed as going forward they were relentless – another shining example of why they have scored a high amont of goals in the Olympian League this term. Six minutes from time, Foster blasted a stinging drive just wide though Hill had done more than enough to win this match and do the double – a far cry from the sinking feeling of relegation from the top-tier two seasons ago.

Full-time: Catholic Utd 1 – 5 Buckhurst Hill

Utd are by no means a bad side, though they were made to look more ordinary than they are here by a very driven Buckhurst Hill outfit.

In terms of stand-out performances, for Hill it is quite difficult to pick out individuals given the sheer team performance though the front two of Steven Townsend and Suleyman Zuhdu plus wingers Sam & Nathan Sollosi really harried the Utd backline and barely gave them much peace at all. Josh Addinall also did a stern job at the back as well. For Utd, goalkeeper Louis Godwin-Green pulled off a number of good stops to dampen the number conceded here by his side. Forward Tony Jacobs shone as well, being his side’s chief threat in attack while Jamie Salmon also provided a characteristic presence in midfield.

Finally, congratulations to Buckhurst Hill who retain the Essex Premier Cup while Utd are runners-up for the fourth time in five seasons.

Catholic Utd | Player-Manager: Dan Trenkel

Louis Godwin-Green (GK), Patrick Kearney, Max Kent (Capt) (Dan Trenkel 60′), Louis Robinson, Bradley Vaughan, Jamie Salmon, Mike Sammut, Tom Hollingsworth, Thomas Kearney, Aaron Baldwin (Mark Baptist 60′), Tony Jacobs (Franklin Craik 70′)

Goal-scorer: Jamie Salmon [71′]

Booked: Kent, Robinson | Subs Not Used: Sands, Ebbles

Buckhurst Hill | Manager: Mark Williams

Daniel Blockley (GK), Liam Foster, Keaton Moore, William Wells (Capt), Josh Addinall, Alfie Harris, Josh Banfield, Sam Sollosi (James Sacre 81′), Steven Townsend (Sonny Shilling 83′), Suleyman Zuhdu, Nathan Sollosi (Frank Glock 85′)

Goal-scorers: Keaton Moore [9′], Nathan Sollosi [30′ & 71′], Suleyman Zuhdu [44′ & 64′]

Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Falola, Gregory
Referee: Artyon Hursey
Assistant Referees: Craig Charles & Rob Collins
Fourth Official: Kevin Nicholson