Valence United in Essex Junior Trophy Final showdown this Friday night

This Friday night, the first of four county/national cup finals involving teams in the league will see Valence United take their place in the Essex Sunday Junior Trophy Final, where they will take on Chelmsford Sunday League side South Woodham Ferrers United Reserves at Heybridge Swifts FC, 7.45pm kick-off.

Their run to the final has seen an incredible four extra-time victories, demonstrating good endurance. Their run started with an opening round success after extra time against Eastern Avenue (2-0) before a trip east where they defeated Leigh Rockets (2-1) also after extra time. Things were a little more routine in a 5-0 win in their only official home game against fellow Corinthian side, United Borough. Ramsden Scotia was the next destination for the team where they again triumphed after 120 minutes, winning 2-1, before a 4-0 quarter final success Parsonage Leys Reserves, also after extra time, setting up a semi-final against Briar United. That semi-final saw them face up to a side who were two divisions higher, sporting an enviable unbeaten record, and featuring some familiar faces too. A tight first half finished goalless before Briar took a lead midway through the second period. But Valence levelled it up almost instantly, following that with two further goals to win 3-1 and shock their opponents!

Their opponents are another higher ranked side with South Woodham Ferrers United Reserves competing in Division Three of the Chelmsford Sunday League. They presently sit fourth in the standings this season with some mixed resutls but any side who reach this stage of a county cup are not to be underestimated and they did put an end to Higham Hill's run in the competition in the quarter finals, demonstrating their ability.

It's a competition which has been in the hands of Corinthian clubs since 2018 following the successes of Upshire and Royal Albert, the latter still remaining the holders after three years following the pandemic cutting short further competitions. Can the Valence boys keep the cup in the west of the county for another year??

We wish all of the Valence players and management the very best of luck for their final on Friday night and we will most certainly be there to cheer them on. It would be great to see other members of the league there to give their support.

Photo Credit: Offside Photography