On a blisteringly sunny day at Fairfax Park the long awaited Cup Final between these two well matched teams took place.

Starting the brighter BUFC threatened the MUFC back line with good pace from Pfupa, Durant, Plant & Chivers.

The opening goal came from Chubb intercepting a MUFC player. The subsequent interchange of play released Durant who out paced the MUFC full back, cut inside and fired past the keeper 1-0.

As the game continued MUFC grew stronger and caused problems with their right midfielder having a free role causing issues when coming inside. This contributed to MUFC drawing level when a counter attack cut open the BUFC defence to level past Keele in goal.

BUFC adjusted, Parsons got more ball to link with Ham, Watts, Pfupa and Plant.

The defence of Byrom, Chivers, Durant, Murphy & Keele looked solid. However some passive defending further upfield allowed the MUFC left winger a quick turnover of possession to drive forward drawing the defence out and take the lead 1-2.

In the second period BUFC made changes to subdue the MUFC offence plus add more guile in attack. Smith moved to a position to eliminate the spare man coming through, Mead took up a central role as Hurford dropped in defence alongside Byrom, Watts & Durant. Ham and Chubb matched up the opposition better and BUFC started to turn the game in their favour.

The equaliser came from a good team move finding Ham in a position to strike. Hams strike was saved but the goalkeeper couldn’t hold the effort and Mead pounced to draw the sides level 2-2.

A little later more fresh legs were introduced to keep the pressure on the opposition Jennings and Haden coming on to maintain the good play.

The game was still keenly contested as both sides threatened to score, but it was BUFC who edged the encounter. Mead pouncing again to put BUFC 3-2 ahead with a trademark finish. The game still had twenty minutes to play with BUFC narrowly missing out with a strike of the post and Jennings lifting his attempt over. Keele had some work but matched it with Byrom, Hurford, Watts & Durant also equal to the task. The midfield of Smith and skipper Ham closing out the middle plus initiating good attacking moves as Haden and Mead showed great presence up top.

When the final whistle blew it was a deserved win. An excellent start followed by the opposition having a good period, then BUFC edging the second half with some superb mature play.

The first time the Gary Else’s League Cup has been won and in fitting fashion two very good teams providing an excellent display.