Over 65s Derbyshire Walking Football League Challenge Cup Final V Ashbourne @ St George’s Park Thursday May 14

Over 65s Derbyshire Walking Football League Challenge Cup Final V Ashbourne @ St George’s Park Thursday May 14

The 7 man squad for the Cup Final was:

• Kevin Chadwick

• Jimmy Watson

• Paul Humphries

• Steve Bones

• Jez Norris

• Taff Lovesey

• Tim Marsden Cap

(John Hutchins & Tony Laughton played in the quarter final and semi final victories respectively).

Ashbourne came into the final as newly crowned League Winners 25/26 and also as League and Cup holders 24/25. The final, as in previous rounds, was to be played over 3 matches, with points awarded as follows: 3 for a win, 2 for a draw, and 1 for a scoring defeat.

Having played Ashbourne 7 times in the season, 3 defeats and 4 draws, Strollers were well aware that they would have to be at their best to stand any chance.

Game 1 With Jimmy Watson and Tim Marsden keeping a tight rein on the Ashbourne forwards, Kevin Chadwick making an extra man with his distribution, Paul Humphries probing from midfield and Jez Norris and Steve Bones constantly stretching the Ashbourne defence it was no surprise when Norris got on the end of a slick pass from Humphries to finish expertly with the outside of his right foot, for his 10^th of the season, to give Strollers a deserved 1-0 win.

Game 2 With Ashbourne pushing forward to get back into the tie Chadwick was called upon to make a series of fine saves to protect his clean sheet. However, in what was now an end to end game it was Strollers who took the lead, Humphries this time picking out top scorer Steve Bones who squeezed his shot in off the far post for his 29^th of the season. Ashbourne continued to press and Chadwick could do little as Ashbourne equalised from close range to earn a 1-1 draw.

Game 3 A draw or even 1 goal in the third game would have been enough for Strollers to claim the Cup, however, Ashbourne weren’t giving up without a fight and snatched the lead to make things all square. Showing good character Strollers pushed hard for the equaliser, despite resolute Ashbourne defending Bones was able to play the ball up to Taff Lovesey who received it close to the goal line. From what looked like an impossible angle the Welsh Wizard found the roof of the net, for his first goal of the season, to send the Stamford crowd wild! And earn a 1-1 draw and the Cup.

Overall a great day for Strollers and their exceptional supporters, making it a very successful first season in the DWFL, 3^rd in the League and Cup Winners at St George’s Park.