Sunday 11th April 2010, Great Wakering Rovers FC, Kick-Off 2:30pm, Essex Sunday Veterans Cup Final supported by Southend Radio.
A Simon Deakin hat-trick saw Great Wakering Rovers fight from two goals behind to clinch the Essex Sunday Veterans Cup with a 4-2 extra time victory over Tag United at Burroughs Park, triumphant Manager Bob Bellenie praising his squad for the spirit they showed to recover against the defending champions.
There was a lively start to the game when Tag were awarded an 8th-minute penalty after Darren Denny was felled by ‘keeper Dean Mahoney. Playmaker Steve Tilson saw his spot-kick bounce off the upright but he made amends on 21 when he delicately lobbed Mahoney to give Tag the lead. That was doubled five minutes later when neat play by Dave Matthews and Dave Field was finished off by Steve Thomas at the back post.
Wakering finished the first half strongly as Micky Penman’s low effort was deflected just wide and Tag ‘keeper Jim Batt made an excellent save to push Gary Blackford’s shot onto the post. And it took just 24 seconds for Wakering to haul themselves back into the game after the break, Deakin’s dipping volley proving too good for Batt.
Tilson sent a free-kick just too high for Tag and Deakin saw a grounded shot well held by Batt before the leveller arrived eight minutes from time, Deakin stabbing in again from six yards after Dan McGoldrick had neatly squared the ball. There was still time two minutes from the end for Mahoney to be the hero for Wakering, pulling off a terrific stop to knock Paul Smith’s header over the top following a perfect Mike Dignam cross.
The incentive soon swung Wakering’s way in extra time as they grabbed the lead within a minute Deakin claiming the match ball as he looped a header over the stranded Batt. Eleven minutes later Wakering then grabbed their fourth when Steve Desborough crossed for Dave Rolfe who powered in an accurate header from close range.
Tag were dealt a further blow with George Young’s dismissal for an elbow on Adrian Owers and Wakering duly held on to secure a first Veterans Cup triumph. Boss Bellenie reacted: “Simon has been our top scorer for two seasons and his goals have been a real asset to us. We were slightly under strength today and down to the bare bones, but showed character to fight back the way we did. We knew our strength was our fitness and we came back strongly. Hopefully we can do the clean sweep of trophies now!”
Great Wakering Rovers: Dean Mahoney, Gary Blackford, Micky Penman, Alex Bott, Mark Baldock, Dan McGoldrick, Dave Rolfe, Adrian Owers, Simon Deakin, Ryan Wilkinson, Steve Desborough. Substitutes (repeated): Martin Buglioni, Steve Bradshaw.
Tag United: Jim Batt, Dave Field, Ian Hayden, George Young, Paul Smith, Darren Denny, Mike Spooner, Steve Tilson, Dave Matthews, Steve Thomas, Mike Dignam. Substitutes (repeated): Colin Folkard, Rob Sexton, John Sussex, Darren McDonald.
Bookings: Tag: Ian Hayden (76, unsporting behaviour).
Sent Off: Tag: George Young (105+1, violent conduct).
Referee: Richard Ager (Leigh-on-Sea).
Assistant Referees: Peter Cubley (Wickford) and Nnaemeka Ukah (Southend-on-Sea).
Fourth Official: John Farrant (Basildon).
Attendance: 114.