Nirankari and Broadhall ‘A’ Take Remaining Trophies...

The last two Cup Finals were played over the past couple of weeks at the County Ground in Letchworth, writes Darren “Statto” Jones.

KLM Challenge Cup Final:
The first was the showpiece event as Nirankari Stevenage again got one over on Dun Cow. David Iwediuno and Jahmell Mullings were on target as they swept up the ‘treble’. The shock news is that the side have quit the league to take up an interest in Hitchin again. Their original reserve side are still around, having won Division One, they’ll be FC Nirankari. Whilst Timebridge AFC have also been taken on board, now to be Nirankari Timebridge FC.

Frank Neville Memorial Cup:
This was the final game of the season and was a non-event. Although it pitted the champions from Division Three and Four against eachother, the latter’s one-goal advantage was more than wiped out. The first half-hour was a fairly even game, but Broadhall ‘A’ broke through after 35 minutes as Michael Emmings curled in a free-kick from the edge of the area. Just before the break, Emmings made a good run to the byeline and found Gary Hillard with his cross, he shifted the ball and found the bottom corner with a tidy finish. In first-half injury time, the game was as good as won as a dream of a pass from Matt Jackson found Phil Stevens, who outpaced his marker and beat the ‘keeper. Crooked Billet Boro were desolate and substitute Christian Goodyear’s appearance ended after just ten minutes as he was shown a straight red card for foul and abusive language at an opponent. Substitute Michael Carter soon added to the lead with his trademark composed finish after more good work from Emmings. The icing on the cake was added in the last ten minutes as first Emmings finished Joe Lee's long free-kick and then Rob Stevenson treated everyone to yet another long distance thunderbolt that looped over the ‘keeper for number six. After two cup final setbacks, Mark Hancock’s young charges really enjoyed adding this cup final win to the Division Three title secured earlier in the month. In a season where the team has played 29 games in total they have scored 110 goals and conceded 40 in all competitions.

Results:

Thu 19 May: KLM Challenge Cup Final - Nirankari Stevenage 2 Dun Cow 0
Wed 25 May: Frank Neville Memorial Cup - Crooked Billet Boro 1 Broadhall 'A' 6

The League’s AGM will take place at The Shephall Centre at 8pm on Wednesday 15th June. This is where, amongst other things, a provisional Constitution for 2011/12 will be released and Player Registration Forms will be available.

The league website can be found at www.cssfl.info