Review of last weekends finals and preview of the Premier Division Cup

As the sun sets on the first three cup finals played last Sunday, we look back at how the day panned out and look forward to the Premier Division Cup final this Sunday.

Arriving at the ground last Sunday the pitch was looking in great shape as it always does down at Thurrock FC. The first final pitched Premier Division side Coral, playing their last ever match, against Aldborough Hatch of Division One for the Corinthian Cup. I’m sure that Coral were desperate to go out in style and that is exactly what they did as, despite a goalless first half, an unfortunate own goal and a strike from Luke Thomas were enough for the men in orange to win 2-1 with the cup heading back to the holders. Terlochan Singh struck with Hatch’s consolation with virtually the last kick of the game. Hatch have another chance of cup glory as they also compete in the Division One Cup final on 3^rd May.

The second cup final of the day witnessed an incredible crowd of over 200 people watch Park Tavern and Leyton Green play for the Division Two Cup. It was an entertaining game with the sides level 1-1 at the break with Thomas Simon cancelling out Kristopher Brown’s opener. Tavern got 2 very early goals in the second half through Kristopher Brown and Charlie Legg but Green struck back soon after to set up a tense finale. However Tavern held on to secure a 3-2 win and lift the cup in just their first season.

The last game of the day brought together Division One pair Warren United Res and Archers Athletic for the Trophyland Cup final. A quite wonderful spring evening was punctuated by a sparkling display by Warren striker, Thomas Metcalfe. His early effort separated the sides as Warren went a goal to the good but Archers were unfortunate not to be level having created a number of chances. After the break, Metcalfe went into overdrive netting a further three times and even missing a penalty as Warren ran out 4-0 winners. The game could have been so different has Archers managed to net some of the great chances they created for themselves throughout and they will look forward to a second bite of the cherry next weekend.

We move our attentions to this weekend now as EMWA and Morfdown Elect come together to compete for the Premier Division Cup. EMWA have reached the final this season on the back of wins against Woodbridge, Chingford Celtic and Elm Park Eagles which has seen them score 15 goals. As one of the longest serving sides in the Corinthian League, I am sure that Clive and Terry will be eager for their boys to lift the trophy this weekend. In the opposing dugout are Morfdown Elect who, despite their struggles for league form following promotion to the Premier Division, have reached this Sunday’s final with wins against Warren United and West Thurrock on the road to Thurrock. The Morfdown boys will be keen to impress in their first cup final appearance since 2009 where they were runners up to Royal Falcons in this very competition.

This Sunday’s Premier Division Cup final kick-offs at 10.30am at Thurrock FC. Tickets are available from the clubs involved or on the gate at a cost of £4.