Cup final days are a savoured special moment. Games are inevitably won or lost but to get to a final there is a long arduous journey where many games are played, tackles won, goals scored and collectively a team grows together having fought there way to this penultimate moment. Both teams today deserve their final where probably the best two footballing sides in the league meet, Sutton Utd v Beacon Colts.
The pitch was in immaculate condition as the final kicked off. Beacon were straight in their stride snapping at Suttons heels and within the first minute Beacon nearly took the lead. Sutton hadn’t settled and Beacon nearly capitalised as they ran through on goal, rounded Jacob but Sutton just about cleared their lines. A few minutes later another Beacon chance which had Jacob diving at the feet of the Beacon forward with a supurb a double save. It may have been the occasion or the quality of the opposition but it was a nervy start for Sutton. It took a good 5-10 minutes before Sutton found their feet and starting passing the ball. But when they did they produced some great short trianglar passing movements moving the ball quickly and incively. In the 12 minute the first goal appeared that was worthy of any final which had quality written all over it. From the halfway line Will Hussey stormed forward, passing to Zak who played a wonderful one-two with Mitch who delivered an inviting ball across the 6 yard area for Alex to slot home. The passing move was all one touch football with deadly accuracy, 1-0. The goal immediately gave Sutton a lift as they pushed forward again with Alex on a mazy run into the oppositions penalty area only to be stopped by 3 Beacon defenders. But Beacon are a strong dangerous side who liked to attack in numbers, Sutton did well to hold their line and restrict Beacon to long range shots which Jacob handled brilliantly. Half time blew, so far so good.
The second half kicked off with the same intensity as the first. Again Beacon were out of the traps the quickest and pressed Sutton from the off. This time their early pressure paid off. Beacon attacked down the line whipping a ball across with their centre forward instictivly hitting a half volley first time into the corner of the net. Quality finish, 1-1. Beacon were now on the front foot and pushing forward as Sutton looked to catch them on the break. The game remained intense with both sets of supporters willing their teams forward. Sutton huffed and puffed with a succesion of corners after Nesta’s shot was deflected wide. But in the 33rd minute Beacon got their noses infront. A seemingly harmless long range shot managed to squirm its way into the net, 1-2. The boys dusted themselves down and continued to fight to stay in this epic final. Beacon were on top of their game as they looked to add to their tally with Alex heading the ball off the line. The minutes counted down as Sutton just couldn’t get forward for one more chance. 2-1 to Beacon it finished in a thoroughly entertaining game.
The quality of football on display today was befitting for any final. Both teams were exceptional where the pace of the game was electric with the passing and movement of the highest order.
Mom: Alex Rafferty put in a fine performance working hard up and down the pitch and grabbed a superb goal.
