A battling performance by 10 man Shelley Royals almost created a shock in last nights Division Three League Cup Final against strong favourites Tilingham Hotspur F.C. who finally lifted the trophy in a ten goal thriller

Witham Town F.C. played hosts to the Division Three Cup Final. Despite heavy rain the game went ahead and whilst in places the pitch was heavy it had no impact on this thriling encounter.

Despite being strong favourites Tillingham did not have things all their own way as Shelley Royals asked many questions throughout.

Both sides struggled to gain any acendency but the game came to life in the 19th minute when from a crner on the left Tillingham were awarded a penalty after Nathan Sharp had been adjudged to have handled on the line. The Referee was well placed to see the incident and correctly awarded the spot kick and as per the letter of the law had no option but to dismiss the Shelley player, despite strong protests.

Tillingham skipper and eventual Man of the Match Lawrence Hale stepped up and scored from the spot kick to give Tillingham the advantage.

Despite going down to 10 men Shelley gave it a good go and Lee Pleasance's pace was causing the Tillingham defence some anxious moments.

On at least two occassions he broke clear and almost equalised in the 25th minute only to see his goal bound effort cleared off the line by Josh Hull.

He was again denied what looked to be another certain goal by an excellent last ditch tackle.

On 30 minutes a ball lobbed forward from midfield found Jack Bowen who cooly lobbed over the Shelley keeper to extend Tillingham's advantage

Half Time 2-0

Second half and Tillingham looked to kill the game. Hale went close before a cross from the right by Nathan Hull struck the unfortunate Gvan Horne and found its way into the net.

To their credit Shelley kept going forward but ran the risk of conceeding further goals. Their adventurous play was rewarded when Kevin Porter netted to reduce the areears.

Tillingham continued to look dangerous as Todd Embling narrowly shot wide and Nathan Hull alos went close. It was Hull who eventuallt added a fourth for Tillingham who were then awarded their second penalty of the night when Hull was felled in the box and up stepped Hale to add his second and Tillingham's fifth.

With the ribbons being attached to the trophy the last 10 minutes became a goal fest.

The dangerous Pleasance scored what appeared to be a consolation. But Shelley were then awarded a penalty for handball and Porter stepped up to bring the scoreline to 5-3.

A free kick on the right was flighted into the box and Owers added the final touch on 86 minutes, 5-4 and Tillingham were rocking

Andy Mee struck the Shelley cross bar but with two minutes remaing Lawrence Hale's cross confused the Shelley keeper and the ball floated in, Hale's hat trick and that killed off Shelley's resolve. 6-4

The game ended a fantastic advert for the Mid-Essex League and both teams had served up an entertaining Cup Final

The sponsors Man of the Match award went to Lawrence Hale, with Tillingham securing the treble having already bagged the League title and Junior Trophy