Form book overturned as Old Chelmsfordians secure trophy

Following the heavy rain of the previous two days the ground staff at Witham Town had worked overtime to ensure that the Division Five Cup Final went ahead.

Long standing League members Old Chelmsfordians were pitched against new boys and unbeaten Royal Oak. It was the new boys who started the stronger of the two as Connor Willers created a couple of early opportunities for the Basildon side.

Max Green created OC’s first chance, a neat bit of play on the edge of the box saw Murfett laid the ball into the path of Green but his effort was blocked out by the Royal Oak defence.

On 7 minutes Willers again caused panic in the OC’s defence but this time keeper Coleman was on hand to save well.

Inside 20 minutes and the deadlock was finally broken. Murfett was again the architect as he laid the ball into the path of Luke Riches who squared the ball across goal to the waiting Max Green who side footed home. Within minutes of the restart OC’s looked to extend their advantage but Riches just failed to connect to a Murfett cross.

Royal Oak looked to claw their way back into the game having lost the early initiative. In the 30th minute Smith and Willers combined, Coleman did well to block the first effort, but as the ball broke loose in the six yard box, Willers was on hand to produce a Royal Oak equaliser.

As the half drew to a close Royal Oak created panic in the OC’s 18 yard box but somehow OC’s survived, and there was just enough time for Max Green to see a shot well saved by keeper Read.

Half Time Old Chelmsfordians F.C.1 Royal Oak F.C. 1

Willers started the second half as he did the first and within 4 minutes of the re-start saw effort cannon off the OC’s post.

On 55 minutes and OC’s had a strong claim for a penalty when Murfett seemed to be impeded by a Royal Oak defender, but the Referee waved away the shouts.

A minute later and OC’s had restored their advantage when the dangerous Murfett struck the ball into the net. Five minutes later and OC’s extended their lead a long ball out of defence caused uncertainty in the Royal Oak defence, with both defender and goalkeeper converging on the ball both seemed to leave it to each other where Green accepted the gift offered to him to roll the ball into an unguarded net.

Royal Oak never really recovered and it was OC’s who continued to look the more dangerous. Mufett and Green continued to threaten the Royal Oak goal, and in injury time Harry Green had the opportunity to put the icing on the cake but blazed high and wide.

Unbeaten record gone and Old Chelmsfordins jubilant at the final whistle having upset the form book

Full Time Old Chelmsfordians F.C. 3 Royal Oak F.C. 1