Rail win Mill Hutson Cup Final!

British Rail FC 4 v 1 Harleys FC

There wasn't a cloud in the Sky as the Rail squad arrived at a scorching Saltergate. A more gentle warm up than usual was undertaken. But the preperations were thorough and by kick off, all the players were ready. This showed with an excellent start at a tempo that belied the heat. Several half chances were created before the pressure told and Wilco got the goal that the start deserved. Matt robbed the ball from the Harley's centre half and his neat pass was finished from 15 yards. Briefly Rail looked like adding to this, but following a defensive mistake Harleys were level. Matt nearly restored the lead immediately. His powerful shot from the edge of the box was pushed away by the keeper when it seemed destined for the top corner. It could have been worse as Dave made a couple of good saves and the Harley's captain blazed over the bar, as the belief that didn't seem there at the start had returned for the team in Orange. A scramble in the penalty area, just before the whistle, was eventually cleared and Harley's ended the half stronger.

The team talks at half time had very different effects on the two teams. Steve and Alan sent Rail flying out of the blocks and played some of their best football of the season. Dominance was turned into a lead when Ash's left foot shot was half saved and Daz smashed home off the bar. The Rail midfield were well on top by now, Baz controlling things in the centre and linking up with the forwards with quick passing. Iggy and Matt were storming down the left, going past opponents with ease. And Steve Gregg and Ash combining well on the right. The third unsurprisingly followed, Wilco cut inside and shot from 20 yards, the keeper spilled the ball straight to Rich who slotted home his 23rd of the season.

Harleys were relying on their centre forward, G Man to get them back in the game and he nearly did. Firstly, Dave tipped over a stinging drive and then Mark and Alex, who were rock solid at the back, snuffed out a promising run. Alex Bollands came on for Ash and nearly scored after a run beating two players. Matt Bollands was somehow thwarted by an excellent save with a point blank header from a great cross from Rich. The game was finally wrapped up when Rich sent Wilco clear of a tired and cramped up defence. His left foot shot beat the keeper and the celebrations could begin. Snake and Mark Rice made solid late appearances. Ralph Morton blew the final whistle and Rail were cup winners.

The game was very well officiated and played in a highly sporting manner. The whole day was organised excellently by  the league, which added to a great occassion for British Rail FC.