Strong Laleham and Kempton Defence Hold Firm To win Saturday Lower Junior Cup.

The opening 20 minutes of the Saturday Lower Junior Cup would be rather cagey, with both sides trying to stamp their authority on the game. As a result, chances were very much at a premium and it seemed as if it would either be a moment of brilliance or a mistake which would separate the two teams.

In the 29th minute, Laleham and Kempton would have the ball in the back of the net after Joe Cumberbatch capitalised on a mistake by the opposition goalkeeper. He was however deemed to have been in an offside position and his goal would be ruled out.

It looked highly likely that the two sides would go into the half level, with there being vso few chances. That wouldn’t be the case though, with Laleham and Kempton breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute. After good work down the right-hand side, Ashley Parsham would find himself free just six yards out from goal. He’d make no mistake, smashing his effort into the bottom left corner and putting his side one goal to the good at the half.

The game was very much still open though, and all that Sporting Kitz needed was a half chance to have a shot of getting back in it.

Much like the first, neither side would come out of the blocks too quickly but of the two, it was Sporting Kitz Vets who looked the more dangerous. They couldn’t muster up any serious chances though, with the Laleham and Kempton defence weathering the storm well.

They’d manage to soak up the pressure well though, before going from defence to attack in the 55th minute and extend their lead. A weighted over-the-top through ball from Parsham would find Christian Scully who had plenty of space and he’d take the opportunity well, firing into the roof of the net.

Entering the final 20 minutes, Sporting Kitz were getting rather desperate, sending increased numbers of players forward. They weren’t however able to find the final ball, and were leaving themselves rather open at the back. Laleham and Kempton would have a couple of half-chances as a result, but were unable to extend their lead.

They wouldn’t however find an extra goal, not that it would matter though due to their strong defence holding firm preventing the opposition from having any major chance.

As a result, Laleham and Kempton would be confirmed as the Saturday Lower Junior Cup Champions.

Goals: (Laleham and Kempton) Parsham (42) Scully (55)

Attendance: 110

Match Officials:

Referee: Richard Marus
Assistant Referee: Richard Reynolds
Assistant Referee: Andy Howell
Fourth Official: Charles Sherred

Images of the game can be viewed and purchased by following the link below