Silver End United F.C. lift trophy

Silver End United F.C. 2 Emeronians F.C. 0

On a warm and sunny Good Friday Witham Town F.C. played host to the Premier Division Cup Final

Having secured the runners-up spot Silver End were looking at add some silverware to their season. Therefor it was no surprise that Silver End were the bookies favourite. However whilst Emeronians might have been the surprise package in this season’s competition, they could not be underestimated having seen off champions CT66 in the earlier rounds and a strong Harold Wood Athletic F.C. in the semi-final courtesy of a last minute penalty.

A bank holiday crowd of 175 saw Emeronians have the first shot on goal inside the first 8 minutes but George Fosh’s effort was easily saved by Stuart Chapin in the Silver End goal.

Shortly after Silver End took the lead, a long ball down the right found 17 year old Todd Hollocks, he controlled the ball and cut inside the defender to hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the Emeronians goal. A goal of pure quality and fit for any final from probably the youngest player on the park.

4 minutes later and Silver End had doubled their advantage. A corner on the left was only cleared to the edge of the box where Sam Hollocks was on hand to drive into the far corner.

A confident Silver End drove forward and Tom Johnson broke clear into the box on 16 minutes but drove wide of the far upright when it looked easier to score.

Silver End then controlled the game with the midfield trio of Harrison, Hollocks and Hewitt winning every ball. The team in orange dominated possession and as the game headed for the half time interval Harrison saw and effort sail over the bar

Half Time Silver End United F.C. 2 Emeronians F.C. 0

Second half started much like the first had finished. Silver End driving forward and looking to put the game out of sight.
Tom Johnson found space on the right and passed across to Sam Hollocks who shot was well saved by keeper Louis Robinson.
Johnson then drove straight at Robinson who tipped over on 52 minutes. Substitute Sam Edwards then broke free on 67 minutes down the left but his soft effort on goal was easily turned aside by Robinson.
Emeronians were struggling to gain any real dominance in the game and changed their shape by bringing a target man in John Ford. His height troubled the Silver End defence. As the game entered into the last 15 minutes the team in green and white hoops won a free kick 25 yards out. The ball deflected for a corner. From that corner Ford rose and headed goal wards only for Chaplin to pull off a smart save low down. A goal at that point could have made the game interesting.
In response Hollocks and Johnson combined to cross for young Todd Hollocks to fail to apply the finishing touch.
Edwards then saw a goal ruled out for offside. VAR supported the Assistant Referee’s decision. Todd Hollocks was then sent clear and having rounded keeper Robinson he blazed over.
Late on Silver End had a penalty shout turned aside, Edwards went close again, before Referee Stuart Nixon brought the game to an end with the Silver End boys triumphant.
A great game well officiated by the three Match Officials played in excellent spirit

Highlights can be found on Braintree TV https://www.braintree-tv.com/player.php?v=24-04-19

As Sam Hollocks went forward to collect the trophy, the wrong trophy due to our Chairman picking up the Premier Division League Trophy!!!!