Stoneham brace sinks Writtle

Writtle F.C. Res. 1 Exiles F.C. 3

The headline for this game will read "An Excellent advert for the Mid-Essex League" a game played in tremendous spirit, a good competitive game, well supported and very well officiated.

Exiles started the stronger of the two sides and despite exerting pressure on the Writtle goal could not find the break through. In fact it was Writtle who created the best chance when the Exiles keeper had to save smartly from a shot on the edge of the penalty area

Just before the half hour mark Jedd Leslie thundered against the Writtle cross bar. With the cross bar still reverberating Writtle were awarded a free kick. The cross was neatly headed home by Sam Mixture and some would say against the run of play Writtle had taken the lead.

On the stroke of half time Exiles forced a corner on the left. Ricky Leftly rose above the crowd to head home powerfully to bring the score level at Half Time

Half Time Writtle F.C. Res. 1 Exiles F.C. 1

Writtle had the younger legs and it looked as though this may be a telling factor as the game wore on. However on 55 minutes Exiles broke, Leslie was fouled in the lead up to the attack but a fine advantage by Referee Cooper allowed the ball to reach Jack Stoneham in the penalty area, a smart turn saw him clipped and a penalty was awarded.

Stoneham picked himself up and hit a firm shot into the right hand corner that the Writtle keeper got his hands to but the pace of the shot saw the ball nestle in the corner of the net

Writtle kept applying the pressure but on 80 minutes Exiles were awarded a second spot kick this time for handball.

Stoneham again went for the right hand side of the goal the Writtle keeper guessing right again and this time saved the penalty however he could not hold on and Stoneham was able to follow up and poke home.

The game finished and Exiles F.C. in their first season in the competition secure the trophy

Full Time

Writtle F.C. Res. 1 - Sam Mixture 30 mins

Exiles F.C. 3 - Ricky Leftly 45 mins, Jack Stoneham 55 mins (pen), 80 mins

Referee - Chris Cooper

Assistant Referees - Ryan Johnson and Tom Cheek