In a dramatic County Cup final, Walton & Hersham United staged a stunning late comeback to defeat Westside FC 2-1, sealing victory with two goals in stoppage time.

Westside came out pressing high from the first whistle, nearly catching the Walton & Hersham keeper out in the opening minute. Despite their attacking intent, Walton & Hersham’s composure in playing out from the back was evident. In the 4th minute, Westside's Marley Gould was already making his presence felt, dealing with every attacking move Walton & Hersham threw at him.

The game’s first big moment came in the 12th minute when Westside won a penalty following a scramble in the Walton & Hersham box. Archie Head stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Westside a 1-0 lead.

Walton & Hersham continued to play with patience, but every time they looked to threaten, Gould was there to shut them down. A 26th-minute free kick into the Westside box was confidently collected by goalkeeper Jan Hinrichs, and just before the break, Walton & Hersham had a corner cleared off the line to ensure Westside went into halftime with a slender lead.

The second half saw Walton & Hersham push for an equalizer, but Westside remained defensively solid. In the 54th minute, Cameron Atkins had a chance to double Westside’s lead, but his shot was dragged wide. Walton & Hersham had an opportunity in the 58th minute when Hinrichs handled the ball outside the box, but the resulting free kick flew over the bar.

The tension grew as Walton & Hersham continued to press, but Westside’s defence held firm, with Gould making a crucial intervention in the 61st minute to prevent a 2-v-1 counterattack. In the 76th minute, an in-swinging corner left the Westside keeper stranded, but Walton & Hersham couldn’t capitalize.

As the fourth official indicated a minimum of eight minutes of added time, Walton & Hersham’s pressure finally paid off. In the 84th minute, Will Hewson found space and played a brilliant defence-splitting pass to George Masterman, who slotted home to make it 1-1. Just two minutes later, a quick attack down the right led to a cutback for Lorenzo Messina, who was left unmarked to score the winner and complete a sensational turnaround.

Westside had one final chance to force penalties in the 89th minute when they were awarded a dramatic penalty after Walton & Hersham’s keeper was judged to have fouled his opposite number. With the final kick of the game, Isaac Gould stepped up but sent his effort over the bar, sealing Walton & Hersham’s victory.

A heartbreaking end for Westside, but a stunning late show from Walton & Hersham saw them lift the Thorpe Park U15 Youth County Cup with a 2-1 win.

Final Score: Walton & Hersham United 2-1 Westside FC

Goalscorers:
• Westside FC: Archie Head (12’ P)
• Walton & Hersham United: George Masterman (80+4’), Lorenzo Messina (80+6’)

Player of the Match: Marley Gould (Westside FC)

Referee: Jack Trowell
Assistants Referees: Jack Pinsent, Oliver Dean
Fourth Official: Charlie Mackay

Attendance: 122