HMB Naval Base Portsmouth beat HMS Heron 3 - 1 to lift the USFL League Cup 2014/15

Despite the weather, constant rain throughout, both teams started brightly with good passing and movement; but Heron lacked composure in the last third and it was Portsmouth that took the lead early with a calm and collective finish by LPT Perkins, who beat the offside trap after a great through ball by LPT Bricknell, before slotting the ball passed Heron’s keeper. From the restart HMS HERON started to press, swinging in cross after cross in to the box, however POPT SHORTT came and collected everything with ease. HMNB went into the break 1-0 up after playing one of the best halves football all season. The Second half kicked off and the pitch started to tear up with the rain still pouring down. HERON pressed more and more looking for the equaliser however AB Richardson put in some great challenges breaking the play down and again HERON lack composure in the last third. After POPT Shortt claimed yet another cross he unleashed a great half volley up field to AB Early who spun the defender before running through one on one with the HERON keeper, from there a lofted ball over the keeper LS (AWT) Bell scrambled the ball home to make it 2-0. The lead wasn’t long lasting as HERON finally broke through to make it 2-1 with an exquisite ball. Heron now striving for the equaliser push on but then from a corner AB Early with a great header from a corner into the ground flying past the HERON keeper 3 - 1. From there HMNB then played keep ball spreading the play having some great chances to put the game to bed and Heron look defeated. The game finished HMNB PORTSMOUTH 3 – 1 HMS HERON.

Man of the match AB Early who led Portsmouth front line and put Heron’s defence under constant pressure