HMS HERON win the USFL Charity Cup beating 17 Port & Maritime 3 - 2

A scrappy first half that lacked quality with neither team gaining the upper hand. However, there was plenty of drama and midway through the first half a goalkeeping error from 17 Port & Maritime allowed AET Matty Benelow to score and HERON took the lead. It got worse for 17 Port & Maritime as just before half time a poor back pass wrong footed the keeper and allowed Matty to score his second and HERON take a 2 nil lead into the half time break.

The teams settled down in the second half with both teams able to retain possession and composure on the ball, but this time it was HERON’s turn to make a defensive error allowing Pte MacKinnon to pull one back for 17 Port & Maritime. This led to some concerted pressure from 17 Port & Maritime but HERON’s defence remain strong and no clear chances were created and neither keeper was tested.

HERON remained dangerous and on thire next attack won a corner from which an unmarked CPO 'Smudge' Smith scored with a free header making it 3 -1. But 17 Port & Maritime’s heads didn’t drop and they pressed forward with Cfn Lee Martin scoring the best goal of the game, a strong drive from outside the box giving HERON’s keeper no chance.

With 10 minutes plus added time to go HERON’s defence remain on top and although 17 Port & Maritime worked hard no further chances were created. So at the final whistle HERON triumphed winning the USFL Charity Cup 3 - 2.

Man of the match was HERON's no 9 AET Stevey Mason who worked hard troughout closing down the 17 Port & Maritime Regiment’s defence giving them no time to dwell on the ball.

Special thanks to LPT Joe Collin (HMS HERON) and Somerset FA officials, Pete Mawhood, Tony Hart & Kevin Richardson, for making this final possible following the short notice venue change away from the Portsmouth area.

Pictures to follow