Express Cup Final ? Crediton
Folly Gate 2
Sampford Peverell 1
AN injury time winner gave Folly Gate FC their first trophy for 13 years.
Folly started the brighter against the league winners with the whole team pressing the ball and giving Sampford little time.
This was an important part of the game as hard work and discipline from the players strangled much of the attacking threat from the opposing forwards. This approach was rewarded with an early goal as the goalkeeper lost a Steve Dennis cross and Will Hutchinson was on hand to nod into the net.
The goal was the signal for the best period in the match as Folly broke well and managed to get crosses into the box. They were frustrated on the half-hour as a late referee?s whistle for a head injury stopped a clear opportunity for Neil Thomas.
Hutchinson and Andrew Dennis worked well in midfield and were supported on the flanks by Burns and Dennis on the right and the young pair of Adrian King and Paul Dennis on the left.
Richard Bailey ended the half making a couple of brave saves as Sampford began to take a hold of the game.
The second half was a war of attrition that was high in excitement for the following support but low on quality.
Folly continued to defend well but panicked when in possession which meant they were unable to get the ball to their forwards.
However, it looked as though they would hold out until ten minutes from the end when Sampfords? most dangerous player for once lost his marker Brooking and scored a headed goal.
With Folly tiring it looked as though Sampford would press for the winner. Folly were awarded a free kick deep into injury time and when Paul Dennis returned the ball back into the area after some good trickery Neil Thomas was on hand to scramble it home.
The crowd went wild as the players were mobbed on the touchline.
It was reward for manager Shane Leahy for his dedication as well as the players who were not able to take part in the match, such as Phil Pearce, Pete Grant, Tom Banbury and Steve Hooper, all of whom have contributed to the season.