Sparta Basildon lifted the Dave Strachan Knockout Trophy after defeating Debden Sports with two second half goals

White Notley F.C. again played hosts to the Dave Strachan Knockout final and despite the heavy rain of the late the pitch was in perfect condition which is what we have come to expect.

The Premier Division sides have not had it all their own way in this competition over recent seasons and once again the game was contested by two teams from outside of the top Division.

Sparta Basildon had already seen off 3 Premier Division sides on route to the final where they came up against Debden Sports who had already secured the Division Two league and cup double.

Sparta created most of the early chances and went close on a numerous occasions in the opening 45 minutes. Debden struggled to create anything meaningful and with the side carrying a few knocks they soon found it necessary to call on their reserves.

Half Time and the game remained goalless

Within 5 minutes of the re-start Sparta had taken the lead when a free kick some 40 yards out was forced in by Tudor Hemmingway. 5 minutes later and Jordan Hemmingway had added a crucial second capitalising on a defensive error.

Debden struggled to make an inroads into the Sparta defensive line and the Basildon side always looked dangerous on the break. They thought they had secured a third but were denied when the Referee spotted an infringement on the keeper.

Full Time 2-0 to Sparta Basildon

Danny Endean who marshalled the Sparta back four superbly throughout the game took the sponsors Man of the Match award