Cyprus FC 1, Medhurst FC 0

As shocks go, this ranks up there with the best of them. Cyprus of the Second Division started this tie as rank underdogs, facing the might of Senior Division Medhurst in the League Cup Final. Just to give you a better idea, this was the equivalent of QPR vs Chelsea. As the premier competition for all divisions and before a record crowd in excess of 500 the scene was set for a classic.

As expected, Medhurst made all the early running, edging the game in terms of possession. Lacking though was the art of finishing and neither side could make a breakthrough. A well-marshalled Cyprus defence restricted Medhurst to no more than half-chances and the frustration began to show. Finally Medhurst had the ball in the net as a superbly taken free-kick sailed in, but was agonisingly ruled out by linesman's flag for offside on a player apparently interfering with play.
This did not disrupt the rhythym of a Cyprus team determined to destroy their underdog status. As the game wore on, so did their belief that they were able to extract a result.
Midway through the second half, the massive crowd, probably a record attendance for a cup final, erupted as a slip by a Medhurst defender found himself robbed close to goal and Chris Hammond latched onto the ball and smash gloriously into the net. The focus was now on Medhurst to respond, and despite the pressure of good approach play they found the Cyprus defence too difficult to breach. A superbly disciplined and determined Cyprus team held out to record an astonishing victory which could not have been predicted except by their own vociferous supporters.
As tough as this defeat was to take, Andrew Lipscombe, Secretary of Medhurst FC said in reflection "Cyprus played well, they were committed in every challenge and even though we should maybe have got that goal from a free-kick, Cyprus were worthy winners"
West Ham legend, George Parris, part of the boys of '86, handed out the medals and the trophy to the Cyprus captain as the supporters cheered loudly for each of their own heroes. Congratulations to Phil Lee and CYPRUS FC.........2004 League Cup Winners.