Focus Ferrers Reserves secure trophy

Once again the form book was ripped up as bookies favourites Galleywood F.C. were defeated in a keenly contested Cup Final against Focus Ferrers F.C. Res.

Focus who had seen off League leaders Rayne United in the semi-final deservedly lifted the trophy, despite a shaky start dominated a large percentage of the game but almost rued missed chances as they took the trophy by a single goal

Within the opening 10 seconds Galleywood striker Colin Lewis was threw on goal but missed a golden chance to break the deadlock. Within 4 minutes Focus Ferrers had taken the lead, when a long throw from the right bounced inside the Galleywood penalty area where Freddie Parsons stooped to head home.

10 minutes later and Galleywood were level. Referee Graham Scott played a tremendous advantage to allow Sean Lander to break free, his passed found Lewis who smashed home into the top corner. A tremendous strike.

The long throw was proving a dangerous weapon for Focus when again Parsons went close as he saw his effort clear the bar. Focus started to look dangerous on the break and from a Galleywood free kick the ball broke to Jamie Barratt whose shot went wide of the upright.

On 27 minutes Focus regained the lead when the lively Henry Bantick ran down the right he eluded the Galleywood tackles to tuck the ball home into the far corner.

Half Time Focus Ferrers F.C. Res. 2 Galleywood 1

The second half started scrappy as neither side were able to create any pressure. Lander finally opened up the Focus defence but Andrew Mills tame effort was easily collected by East in the Focus goal.

As the half wore on Focus Ferrers began to dominate and create the best chances. Parsons saw an effort superbly saved by Philps in the Galleywood goal. Parsons never stopped running and on 71 minutes was a spent force and had to be substituted, leaving the field to a well-deserved round of applause. Barratt and substitute Dan James then combined to rip through the Gallywood defence only for the Focus striker to crucially miss control the ball with the goal gaping. A powerful shot from Focus James Deed then went narrowly wide.

Galleywood were struggling to create any real opportunities in front of goal with the clock ticking down Lander who had looked the most dangerous threat shot over, in the process of shooting saw him suffer a serious injury.

Referee Scott, then added on 10 minutes of time and in that time Focus created numerous chances but failed to convert the decisive third, saying that Philps in the Galleywood goal made a number of crucial saves. In the first minute of added time Focus were awarded a penalty that skipper Cook managed to sky high and wide. Galleywood through striker Lewis then broke clear only from Man of the Match Rob Moss to make a fantastic last ditch tackle.

The final whistle final blew and the boys from South Woodham were victorious

Full Time Focus Ferrers F.C. Res. 2 Gallywood F.C. 1