Stock leave it late to win Cup

A late strike by substitute Joe Hedger was enough to ensure that League leaders Stock United F.C. lifted the Division Three League Cup.

The first half was a dire affair as both sides struggled to gain any fluidity, in fact the Referee tried to blow up 10 minutes early to alleviate the suffering a good crowd.

Mundon had the greater share of possession in the first half but could not turn this into notable chances their biggest threat coming from corners which caused some panic in the Stock defence. Stock’s only real chance of the half came in the 43rd minute when the Mundon keeper, Graham Hirst, was called upon to save smartly. With the half drawing to a close the Mundon could and probably should have snatched the lead when they blazed over from close range

Stock came out much the stronger of the two sides and showed their intent early on when Ryan Barnard broke free of the Mundon defence only to see Hirst again save smartly. Barnard was causing some panic in the Mundon defence and as the half wore on he created two further excellent chances but each time the Mundon keeper was on hand to save. Mundon continued to work hard and with less than 15 minutes remaining thought they had secured the lead when Scott Brampton thundered an effort against the underside of the cross bar but technology proved the ball did not cross the line……

With the clock ticking down Stock struck and what a goal it turned out to be deserving to win any final. Mundon cleared the ball to the edge of the box where Hedger met the dropping ball and volleyed into the corner of the net. The last 10 minutes was a flurry of excitement. Mundon’s Toby Young headed over with 6 minutes remaining from virtually under the cross bar and Stock had chances to extend their lead, Caddy headed wide and with seconds remaining Smithers blazed over when it was easier to score

Referee Antony Abbs

Assistant Referee's Anthony Day and Ben Crow