Perry Street League – Division 1 Cup final
Forton Rangers 2, Hawkchurch 1 (aet)

AN own goal deep into the second half of extra time won Forton Rangers the Division 1 Cup at a chilly Henhayes on Monday, writes Kerry Miller.

It was cruel on Hawkchurch, who played their part in a well balanced final which echoed the league match earlier in the season when the sides shared 10 goals equally.

On a bumpy pitch and with a low sun hampering players and officials, both teams went at it from the start.

James Melville should have put the Hawks ahead in the seventh minute when put through but Forton keeper Adam Smith narrowed the angle and saved well. 

In their next attack, however, Smith appeared fortunate when Melville was through again and went down under his challenge, but referee Bob Brunt waved play on.

Hawkchurch dominated the first quarter until Forton got a toehold and Jake Board floated a free-kick over everyone and into the top corner, only for it to be disallowed by a linesman’s flag.

The opener came five minutes before the break, Chris Warry’s pass finding the industrious Robbie Walker, who smashed in from an angle.

Rangers could have doubled their lead just after the restart when Craig Studley’s free-kick was nodded wide by Dave Harris from six yards, but were relieved soon after when Hawkchurch had the ball in the net – but again the offside flag was up.

Hawkchurch scored a deserved equaliser on the hour, when a long clearance from keeper James Mitcham was flicked on by Melville and Gavin Herrod tucked the ball home.

The same two combined to bring a save out of Smith, then at the other end Dave Harris’ hooked shot was saved, the last effort in 90 minutes.

As the sun dropped the temperature dropped with it, but after Herrod had sliced a chance wide for Hawkchurch in the first half of extra time,

Forton struck in the second when Chris Warry’s cross shot was deflected past Mitcham by Jack Larcombe to give them the cup after a fine battle.

Forton Rangers: Adam Smith, Matt Quaille, Ryan Mustchin, Elliott Richards, Dave Harris, Chris Warry, Wayne Long, Jake Board, Andy Stevenson, Robbie Walker, Craig Studley. Subs: Ryan Scott, Russ Gage, Cameron Barfoot, Kane Ellis, Owen Ladd.

Hawkchurch: James Mitcham, Brad Cross, Mark Herrod, Jack Chapple. Josh Short, Jack Larcombe, Andy Dymond, Dan Richards, James Melville, Gavin Herrod, Simon Herrod. Subs: Brad Pearse, Oliver Pearse, Tom Chubb.