UCL Review 2014-2015

COUNTY CUPS REVIEW: SUCCESS IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

The league enjoyed a better season in county cup football with six sides reaching finals although winners emerged only in Northamptonshire for the second successive season.

Five teams contested Northamptonshire finals with two trophies going to our clubs. In the Hillier Senior Cup Peterborough Northern Star disappointingly missed out when losing 4-1 to a young Brackley side in the final at Sixfields. Luke Avis scored a spectacular equaliser early in the second half but within a minute the Saints had regained the lead and Star were left to reflect on missed chances which condemned them to defeat. Star had defeated step 3 Corby in the last four while Cogenhoe also reached the semis. The Junior Cup final at Sixfields was a derby contest between holders ON Chenecks and Division One champions Northampton Spencer. Alex Lowery’s headed own goal in the second half saw Graham Cottle’s men retain the trophy. In the Lower Junior Cup final at Daventry Northampton Spencer’s second string denied Bugbrooke Reserves a treble with a 5-4 shootout victory after the sides had shared two goals. Jordan Richards gave the Millers the early lead with Danny Duggan replying for the Badgers before Spencer edged the penalty contest. Elsewhere Yaxley reached the Huntingdonshire Senior Cup final in bizarre circumstances. They received a quarter final bye and semi final walkover after St Neots were unable to fulfil the fixture. The Cuckoos put in a poor display in the final at Huntingdon and could have few complaints at losing 3-0 to Godmanchester. Newport Pagnell were semi finalists in the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy while Olney reached the 4 th Round of the county Intermediate Cup knocking out holders Hale Leys along the way. Buckingham also progressed to Round 4. The Hinchingbrooke Cup continues to take pride of place in the miscellaneous competitions featuring our clubs. The oldest item of silverware in the region saw the final contested by two of our clubs this term with Peterborough Northern Star edging out Deeping 2-1 at Jubilee Park as Phil Stebbing struck in each half before Jordan Avis netted a late Rangers reply. Olney’s storming second leg comeback against Buckingham Town took them into the Buckingham Charity Cup final but they were soundly beaten 6-2 by Buckingham Athletic. After going two down the Nurserymen fought back through Danny Webb and Aaron Murrell, only to fall apart in the second half. AFC Rushden & Diamonds had kicked off what was to prove a glorious season with a couple of minor items of silverware. They won the pre season Chris Ruff Memorial Cup match with a 2-0 win at neighbours Rushden & Higham, Russ Dunkley scoring both goals, and then beat Hinckley 4-2 on penalties to win the Supporters Direct Shield after sharing four goals, Matt Gearing and Dunkley the scorers. Even the Under 21s got in on the act with a 5-4 win over Buckingham securing the James Victory Cup. OTHER CUPS REVIEW: SILVERWARE FOR STAR

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