Final Call for Catholics
Semi-Final Success in the Morfey Cup
26/04/23
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Premier Cup Final Medhurst FC 5, Global FC 3
This year's League Champions Global FC entered this game knowing that half of their objective had already been secured. Their closest challengers for the title, Medhurst FC, came into this final knowing they were not prepared to be the bridesmaids for the third time this season following a surprise defeat in the final of the League Cup. So fast out of the blocks were Medhurst though, that people were still taking their seats as Gavin Swaney scored inside NINETEEN SECONDS. Taking advantage of a slip in defence, he strode menacingly into the area before despatching a low shot into the far corner. In no time at all Medhurst got it right again as they doubled their lead from the penalty spot as Referee Bright spotted an infringement on Dean Smith. Up stepped Sean Junor to promptly smash the ball home from 12 yards sending the keeper the wrong way. Global had barely an opportunity to this point and were visibly rocking, despite good support from the stands. Medhurst muscled in on yet another corner and the alert Swaney rose high above the static Global defence to head home joyfully for a 3-0 lead. Instantly, Global set about repairing the damage, calling on all their reserves and talent, which had driven them to the league title. Just moments before half-time, a poor clearance fell to the alert striker and the score-line reduced to 1-3. After only 2 mins of the second half, the ball was swung across the area but the Assistant's flag was raised to indicate an infraction that saw Global score the resultant penalty and reduce the arrears to 2-3. The momentum had swung back and an improbable equaliser beckoned. A counter-attack, as Global threatened, effectively ended their challenge for this cup though. Sprinting away from the defence, the attacking Medhurst player drew the keeper but was forced wide of the goal. As the ball sprang loose, the Assistant close to the play indicated that the keeper's challenge had been mis-timed and the THIRD spot-kick of the match was duly awarded. Junor, once again, steered the ball into the net despite the goalkeeper getting a touch. Playing containment football, Medhurst eased out the game and a sensational goal completed a hat-trick for Swaney, who set off and did his customary back flips and seal a fantastic win. Although Global managed to claw one back at the end, the game had been won already. A jubilant Medhurst squad were handed their medals by Guest-of-the-day, Hornchurch FC leading scorer, Vinny John, who had come over to support his old teammates.