United Chelmsford Churches F.C. win first Cup Final of the season

Division Two League Cup Final

United Chelmsford Churches F.C. 1 Mayland Village F.C. 0

These two teams produced an entertaining game on an extremely sunny and warm Good Friday with United Chelmsford Churches securing victory by a single goal.

The opening minutes saw an open game, from the kick off and in the first 10 seconds a long ball found Mayland Village striker Chris Charlton left one on one with the UCC keeper a better first touch and we could have seen one of the quickest goals ever in a Mid Essex League Cup Final. Two minutes later and Danny Wallace was presented with another opportunity for Mayland but again wasted.

With the game entering the fifth minute a give a go on the edge of the Mayland Village penalty area saw Gary Grant break clear and with UCC’s first shot on goal thumped home for the Chelmsford team to gain an early advantage.

Mayland were dominating possession but UCC always looked dangerous on the break. On 22 minutes Tristan Smith broke clear but fired over as he looked to extend UCC’s lead.

At the mid-point of the half Mayland Village’s Dominic Whittaker had two opportunities to restore parity but Dave Turrell in the UCC goal made two important saves.

From a Mayland corner Gary Grant broke clear and this time Bradley Powell in the Mayland goal was called upon to make a tremendous save.

The game was ebbing and flowing, but superbly officiated by Trevor Veitch.

In the final minutes of a pulsating first half Danny Wallace was denied by the agile Turrell who tipped his effort on to the bar.

Half Time United Chelmsford Churches F.C. 1 Mayland Village F.C. 0

Mayland dominated the majority of the second half as UCC looked to protect what they had.

Whittaker went close again for the Dengie side, but the UCC defence marshalled by Joe Waller was thwarting everything that was being thrown at them.

UCC continued to look dangerous on the break and UCC’s Rob King saw two effort go high and wide.

In the 62nd minute there were shouts for a penalty as a cross from the Mayland left saw two players collide at the back post, but the majority of the claims came from the Mayland bench and the Referee once again got the decision spot on.

With the game entering the final ten minutes Whittaker again for Mayland flicked the ball over the bar when well placed.

The game was entering stoppage time when a flash point saw UCC’s Craig Rolfe shown a red card for violent conduct

Time was against Mayland and they failed to create anything further in front of goal to allow UCC to claim victory.

All three match officials Trevor Veitch (Referee) and Tom Cheek, Derrick Packer (Assistant Referee’s) deserve praise for the way they handled this fixture a credit to the Competition

Full Time United Chelmsford Churches F.C. 1 Mayland Village F.C. 0