Ten man Tillingham lift trophy

Tillingham Hotspur, beaten finalists in the Premier Division Cup Final last week, finally managed to get their hands on some silverware as they overcame a strong St Clere's team in the final of the David Strachan Knock Out Cup.

Tillingham have now won the Cup on 5 occasions more than any other Club but there was a 16 year cap since their last success

St Clere's started the game on the front foot and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 12th minute. Tillingham failed to clear a corner and despite the defenders' best efforts they were unable to stop Jack Davidson's firm shot from crossing the line. A minute later they nearly made it two, but Chris Nolan's shot rebounded off the post to safety!

St Clere's continued in the ascendency, however, their keeper, Charlie Fitt, was called on to make a fine save when Luke Hornsley evaded the defence.

Tillingham got back into the game on 37 minutes, when the same player once again broke free and this time rifled his shot under the goalkeeper.

The score remained one each at half time.

The second half started with a bang! Latching onto a long ball, Tillingham's Lawrence Hale rounded the goalie and side footed the ball into an empty net.

The lead only lasted for ten minutes. Tillingham keeper, Trevor Dinig, was only able to parry a strong shot, which fell to Jack Davidson who had the easiest of headers for his and St Clere's second goal.

Tillingham restored their lead 7 minutes later. St Clere's could only half clear a corner, which fell to Jerome Quartey who put the ball back into the box for Lawrence Hale to head home his second goal.

Tillingham made life difficult for themselves a minute later. Chris Nolan and Nicholas Saltwell came together as they chased a long through ball. Having adjudged that the defender had fouled the St Clere's man, the referee had no alternative but to reach for his red card and send the defender for an early bath.

Despite having a player advantage for 25 minutes, St Clere's were unable to make any impression on the Tillingham defence and indeed, Tillingham created the better chances to extend their lead. With no further additions, the game ended in victory to Tillingham, who reclaimed a trophy they last won in 1999.