Evans Moore Cup Report
HUNTERS HALL RETAINED the Evans-Moore Cup after a day of thrilling football at the BDSFA Evans-Moore Cup on Saturday. In a repeat of last year's final, the Alibon Road side edged out St Margaret's thanks to District star Jesse Amoh's late, late strike.
Hall had taken the lead early on only for St Margaret's to force the tie into extra-time with a well-deserved equaliser. But Amoh received a quickly taken throw-in to lash an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner to banish the insidious threat of penalties and ensure his side took the trophy for the second successive season.
St Margaret's had started the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Cambell thanks to Daniel John's sublime strike. They followed that up with a 4-1 thumping of Henry Green and, even though they were held to a 0-0 draw against William Ford, they secured top spot. Cambell bounced back from their opening
Inspired
Ripple Juniors, inspired by the goals of Jayke Welch, won their group with three straight victories and were joined by Becontree 'A' who defeated Godwin and Monteagle to go through. Godwin finished on a high, defeating Monteagle 1-0 thanks to Dylan Jordon's left-foot shot and the heroics of Chris Randall in goal.
Hunters Hall opened up with a 0-0 draw against Grafton. This was down to some inspired keeping by the Grafton keeper, his five high quality saves meaning both sides had to settle for a point. Hall then turned on the style with two 3-0 wins against Valence and The Leys. They were joined in the last eight by Grafton, who managed to keep three clean sheets to draw all their games and qualify in second place.
Finally, in Group D, Thames View, looked impressive with three straight wins, conceding none in the process. They were followed by Richard Alibon, who to won their remaining games 2-0.
St Margaret's and Becontree squared up in the first quarter-final. The tie was goalless after normal time, but two quick fire goals in extra time saw them through. They were joined by Cambell, who recovered from an outstanding Welch free-kick to defeat Ripple 3-1 - the pick of their goals was a superb long range effort from Charlie Marsh.
Elsewhere on pitch two, Hunters Hall left it late to defeat arch enemies Richard Alibon. With time running out, Amoh's fierce free-kick booked their passage alongside Thames View who continued their good form with a 1-0 victory over Grafton.
Tense
Both semi-finals were tense affairs. St Margaret's squared up to Cambell, in a repeat of the first game of the day and the result was the same as the Barking school went through with a narrow 1-0 win.
In the second semi, Hunters Hall started well against Thames View and took a well deserved lead. Thames View began to exert some pressure but Hall stood firm and their second goal was enough to kill off their brave challengers.
In the day's last game, Hall went into the lead after just ten seconds. A neat, incisive passing move cut open the St Margaret's defence and Bradley Lewis fired home.
St Margaret's quickly recovered from the early blow and began to get on top of the game. With time running out, they deservedly grabbed an equaliser to send the tie into extra time.
This period was tense, but Amoh's superb strike was enough to secure the victory and the first silverware of the year.
Both sides will now represent the BDSFA in the Essex Finals for London Boroughs on Thursday 26th November.
Hunters Hall: Lee Fluin, Jesse Amoh, Owen Carino, Bradley Lewis, Charlie Pulham, Charlie Heath, Regan Downes, Louis Mackman
