Under 9's - Thundermite

Thundermite League Cup Final (20-4-2008)

East Thurrock Utd 2 Copeland Colts 3

Both sides entertained the crowd with end to end attacking football in this thrilling Thundermite cup final.

Rocks took the lead after a drop kick from Goal keeper Alfie Fairman reached striker Matthew Girvan, who raced under pressure towards the Copeland goal and smashed the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Matthew Girvan nearly added a second after Sonny Kirsopp put him through in front of goal only this time to see his shot just go pass the post.

Rocks looked to be taking a one goal lead into the break after some good defending from Joe Reader and Max Rumens, but were stunned by two late first half goals. The first a shot from inside the box, the second an attempted headed clearance saw the ball deflected above goalie Alfie Fairman.

Second half Rocks went looking for an equaliser but found themselves under increased pressure, with goalie Alfie Fairman pulling off some fine saves. Halfway through the second half Copeland added a third with a shot that hit the post but came back out only to be slotted home.

Rocks pushed forward hoping to save the game with midfield trio Bobby Nicholass, Sonny Kirsopp and Halil Yorgandji who all had worked tirelessly throughout the match with their endless running, forced a corner taken by Matthew Girvan, which landed in the goal mouth and after a scramble Halil Yorgandji stabbed the ball home to set up a thrilling final last few minutes.

Rocks looked for the equaliser but unfortunately time ran out and Copeland who are two divisions above held on to lift the cup.

E.Thurrock: Fairman, Reader, Rumens, Yorgandji, Kirsopp, Nicholass, Girvan.