Centenary Cup

Centenary Cup Final (28^th October, 2009)
(At Abingdon Town FC)

Faringdon Town 2 Saxton Rovers 1

(Phil Annets, NBFL Media Relations Officer)

Injured Soane Wins Cup for Faringdon

Peter Soane played through the pain of an injured shoulder to score the winning goal as Faringdon Town came from behind in the North Berks League Centenary Cup final against Saxton Rovers.

On a perfect evening for football these top two unbeaten NBFL Division One teams provided an entertaining showpiece to the League’s centenary celebrations. The opening 20 minutes were quite cagey with both teams sussing each other out, but it was Saxton who were creating the most chances. Soon after their first real shot in anger came the incident that would result in the recurrence of an old injury for Peter Soane as he clashed with the Saxton keeper Darren Spayes. Both players required treatment, but both were able to carry on.

Within five minutes of this clash Saxton Rovers took the lead when a deflected shot by Adam Greenaway fell to his team-mate Garry Hartley who calmly placed the ball past the outstretched Faringdon keeper from six yards. This goal seemed to stir Faringdon into life and five minutes later they were level. The excellent Soane collected the ball on the right hand wing and placed a perfect cross onto the head of Derren Harrington who headed into an empty net.

Bizarrely, the most significant event happened on 35 minutes just after Soane had hit a 20 yard shot straight at the Saxton keeper. Still feeling the effects of his injury he turned to the bench to request to be substituted, but Faringdon's manager Simon Harrington decided to reject his plea. And within five minutes of the re-start his decision was justified as Soane latched onto a cross-cum-shot by Derren Harrington to score from close range.

Saxton Rovers upped their game to try to get back on level terms, but apart from one glorious opportunity in the 71^st minute when the Faringdon keeper Chris Webb made a point blank save, they didn't really make any clear cut chances. An injury time free kick for Saxton was fired against the wall and Faringdon held on to win the cup, presented to their captain Gary Sutton by Chris Ledger from Allsports Trophies, who kindly donated the excellent trophy.

Centenary Cup