MS COLLINGWOOD get their 1st silver wear since 2011/2 season HMS Collingwood beat Thorney B 2 -1 to win the USFL League Cup Final 2016/17

USFL League Cup Final 2016/7

The 1st trophy of the season was won by HMS COLLINGWOOD who beat Thorney B 2 – 1 in a closely fought USFL League Cup final played at Victory stadium.

The first half belonged to HMS Collingwood who dominated the half, and this was rounded off when they took the lead with Ben Booker at the heart of the action assisting the first goal scored by Craig Brenton. Collingwood came close to a second, from a corner curled in by Dan Appleby unfortunately hitting the crossbar and taking the ball out for a goal kick.A deserved half time lead HMS Collingwood 1 - 0 Thorney B. This didn’t stop the boisterous Thorney Crowd who supported their team throughout with some entertaining chants.

After what must have been a robust half time talk Thorney came out all guns blazing in the second half and for 20 minutes they were over running Collingwood in all areas; Thorney Island came out fighting the second half, putting the pressure on with their pacey centre forward who ran tirelessly throughout the game it looked like an equaliser was only a matter of time. But whilst Thorney failed to capitalise on their efforts, Collingwood’s man of the match, PO PT Ben Booker, made it 2 nil with a well taken goal from a Dan Applyby through ball, one of the few chances Collingwood created in the second half.

Collingwood began to tire and dropped deep so they brought on Dan Lamonte in the Centre of the field replacing Ben Booker, he together with Oliver Stutz fought hard playing some great through balls down the channels for striker Jamie Philpott who came on for the last 7 minutes, the aim to keep possession. But this tactic allowed Thorney to push deep into Collingwood territory and with 5 minutes to go they pulled one back with a well take goal. With a minute to go Thorney won a corner and everyone including the keeper was in Collingwood's box looking for that elusive equaliser, but it wasn't to be.

But with some cleaver play and good ball possession Collingwood were able to see the game out to the final whistle.

Final score HMS COLLINGWOOD 2 – 1 Thorney B.

Highlight of the game, and fun for the spectators, were the foul throws from Dan Appleby, not just once but twice, and Charlie Swift, great times guys!

Many thanks to our match officials - Referee: Andy Glanville, Assistant Referees Andrew Keay & Chandon Chapman and 4th Official Michael Clements