Cup Joy!
Mildenhall Reserves 3 Soham Town Rangers Reserves 1
Comberton, Brampton and Grampian had all tried but failed to conquer Mildenhall's youthful reserve side in their question for glory in the William Cockell Cup. Having beaten the 3 teams mentioned previous it set up a cup final date with Soham Town Rangers reserves who were having a decent league season. Having taken 4 league points of their opponents and defeated them in the Chell Trophy Mildenhall were very confident about their chances today.
As the sides took the pitch for the early mornin kick off the Mildenhall side looked full of confidence. An early goal would have settled any nerves that had crept into the system and thats exactly what happened.
With barely 30 seconds on the referee's watch Jon Olive broke free of the Soham defence but his powerful shot was parried by the Soham goalkeeper but only to the feet of Scott Wilby who tapped the bal into an empty net. It was an amazing start which put Mildenhall into the driving seat.
Shortly after Mildenhall lost experienced defender Gary Crick through injury so Jamie Hampshire moved inside to centre back with Spriggs moving into the left back slot. This would be a test to the Mildenhall side as they had now lost their organizer at the back.
However this did not disturb Mildenhall's flow as they went in search for the games second goal. Lee Crick headed marginally over from a Wilby cross then Wilby went close himself after good work from Yeomans.
The football that Mildenhall were producing deserved another goal and their second of the day was not far away. Jon Olive again broke free, only to be chopped over inside the Soham box. Amazingly the referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Despite the arguements from the Mildenhall player's substitute Ant Blandford stepped up and smahsed an unstoppable free-kick past the Soham keeper before he could even react. The goal came at a cost as Jon Olive was unable to take further part in the game but it did give Mildenhall a healthy advantage.
Above: Ant Blandford strikes Mildenhall into a 2-0 lead
This seemed to wake up Soham who had couple of decent chances but Pope in the Mildenhall goal stood his ground well to deny the Cambridgeshire outfit a way back into the match.
However on the stroke of half time Soham found a way back into the game to set up an interesting second half. A deep cross was lofted into the box and Ben Head, a former Mildenhall player, rose highest to head past the unlucky Pope.
Half Time: Mildenhall 3 Soham 1
In the second half Soham adopted alot more of a physical approach, at times it was to physical. Tackles were flying in left, right and centre in the midfield but the referee seemed to turn a blind eye to the majority of this.
Above: Jon Olive rises highest to set up another attack
Mildenhall began to frustrate Soham with the football they were playing. Spriggs and Wilby in particular linking well down the left side casued alot of problems.
At the other end Mildenhall defended strongly against a strong Soham frontline with Luke Butcher in particular standing strong to all challenges. Goalkeeper Josh Pope also commanded his area very well, catching the majority of crosses that fell his way.
As the clock ticked on it would take only 1 more goal to finish the Soham challenge. Eventually the goal game which all but sealed the cup. Wilby hit a free kick that appeared to strike an arm but the referee ushered the appeals away. The ball spun wide to Edwards who crossed first time. His powerful cross was met by Lee Crick who sent a header back past the keeper and into the corner of the net to spark celebrations on and off the pitch.
Soham battled hard for the remainder of the half but to no avail and Mildenhall reserves collected their first silverware of the season. At last they have something to show for an amazing season.
Final Score: Mildenhall Town Reserves 3 Soham Town Rangers Reserves 1
More Pictures
The players wait to collect their medals
The squad collects their medals
Jamie Hampshire lifts the William Cockell Cup
