Somerset Cup final

Taunton Vale 3, North Somerset 2

TAUNTON Vale lifted the Somerset Cup on Sunday after beating North Somerset in an entertaining final in Cheddar.

Following a quick start, Vale took the lead when Karl Trunks finished with a powerful drag flick at a short corner.

North Somerset soon equalised with a short corner attempt of their own and, shortly afterwards, North Somerset took the lead as Vale wobbled.

Being 2-1 down at half time, Vale knew that they had to improve, however they did not start the second half well and struggled to assert their usual control.

Midway through the second half Vale applied some pressure and created a half chance which led to David Pratt lobbing the goalkeeper with a diving finish.

With the wind in their sails, Vale began to dominate and their winning goal came with 20 minutes to go from a Martin Johnson drag flick which found its way into the bottom corner.

Vale captain Ross Hardwick thought he had secured the cup with a cheeky deflection, however the umpires disallowed the goal for an infringement in the build-up.

In the closing stages, North Somerset were chasing the game however some composed defending and good shot stopping from Bayley Chatwin ensured that Vale won the cup.

Winning the cup was the icing on the cake for the men’s section, with the first and second team getting promoted this season and the third team retaining their place in a competitive league.