Monday 4 May 2015

SO CLOSE FOR K'S BUT FC LEMSFORD LIFT THE FAMOUS GREG CUP

The Greg Cup comes with a huge amount of prestige and history having first been competed for in 1911 as 'The Greg Cup of North Herts Junior Cup' named after the man who instigated the competition Mr Greg. The unique rules Mr Greg stipulated were that any player who received a winner's memento in the competition would not be allowed to play in future competitions. This rule was relaxed in the mid 2000s with no longer being a stipulation. With the North and Mid Herts League currently dormant the cup took a one year hiatus in 2014 with, thankfully, it returning thanks to the Hertsavers County League reviving the famous cup for some of it's member clubs. The Cold End saw the 2011 final between Probuild and City Hearts which you can see and read about here along with some further information about the history of the competition.

The 2015 final was played at the cup's spiritual home of Top Field between Knebworth and FC Lemsford. The Mighty K's had only played one game to reach the final by beating Letchworth Garden City Eagles Res 2-3 in the semi-final  having received a walkover in Round One when their local rival's Kimpton Rovers pulled out of the league and cup. FC Lemsford had beaten St Ippolyts 7-2 in Round One and Buntingford Town 1-0 in the semi-final.

"FC Lemsford" were formed in the summer of 2015 attached to Lemsford FC - Most of their players represented Lemsford Youth under 17s the previous season under manager Scott Davis.

The game was lit up with Alex Brooke's thirty yard wonder strike in the second half which made the score 2-1 and the game looked to be drifting to that score at full time only for a spirited Lemsford side to equalise in the 89th minute to take the game to extra time. Brooke's goal was simply fantastic and wouldn't of looked out of place in any final at any level of football!
Both sets of players had given absolutely everything - it was unfortunate there had to be a runner up in the end but it was FC Lemsford who ran in three goals in extra-time to make the full time score 5-2 with The K's being reduced to 10 men following a second booking for an off the ball incident. Lemsford's centre forward Frazer John (number 9 in the video) was rightly named man of the match - the ex BorehamWood, Cockfosters and Hoddesdon Town player really stood out. His pace and power up front was a constant menace towards The K's back line - He could easily play at a higher level of football.

The full time whistle was greeted by a joyous and good natured mini-pitch invasion by the fans and friends of the FC Lemsford. I'm sure there were some sore heads on Friday morning as they celebrated their team's famous win.

I think if Mr Greg was watching the 2015 final he would of been very happy to see a highly entertaining game with lots of goals and entertainment. 

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 
inc all seven goals scored and the Trophy presentation and celebrations
Well worth a watch if just for Alex Brooke's amazing goal from 4mins 30secs



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