A Full On Cup Final
The seventy or so spectators were treated to a full on cup final, played by two committed teams. Held at the May and Baker sportsground In Dagenham, it was clear that both teams wanted their names on the iconic JP8 Trophy.
UA Strike First
A fantastic free kick gave UA the lead, after a bruising start to the match, with both teams seeking to establish the upper hand. But it wasn't to last with Cardinals levelling the score, taking us into half time at 1-1. Top marks to our referee Steve Ince for keeping the game flowing.
Cardinals Push On
Clearly the half time oranges worked, as Cardinals came out firing in the second half. They took the lead, then added a third, and the game looked won with about 20 minutes to go.
UA Dig Deep
As Cardinals looked to close out the game, UA pulled one back with a stunning strike, then produced another to level the scores at 3-3. This game was going to be decided by penalties.
The Penalty Shootout
Great for the spectators, awful for the teams, but there had to be a winner.
The teams matched penalty for penalty for the first four, although both keepers got close to stopping a couple of kicks.
With nerves jangling Cardinals put their fifth penalty wide, leaving UA to step to score, and claim the JP8 Challenge Trophy.
Can we thank both teams for giving up their time to raise funds for JP8, and we wish Cardinals the very best of luck in their cup final next weekend. Pop along to support them if you can:
J.Lizzimore Cup Final, 08/05/22 @Redbridge FC , IG6 1NB 2pm KO
