Victory!: St. Clere's Men's Team Triumph in the Cup Final

St Clere’s Mens team run out victorious on Wednesday night in the Thurrock Association and District Sunday Division One Cup Final against Grays Athletic held at Tilbury FC.

The final was always going to be a tight affair as both the league games between the two sides ended in a draw. Grays Athletic took an early lead in the first half from a free kick that wasn’t cleared inside the penalty area and the St Cleres’ lads looked shellshocked.

Gradually the team got back into the game and should have equalised after several good attempts were missed. Ten minutes from the end of the second half St Clere’s were awarded a penalty after a handball by a Grays defender. This was converted calmly by Sam Pumfrett and the game ended 1-1 and therefore went into extra time. The deadlock continued and eventually went to a dreaded penalty shootout. Grays went first and scored but crucially missed penalties 2 and 4. Dimeji, Sam and Joe (Captain) all scored for St Clere’s before Alex stepped up to hopefully win the game. He did so with aplomb to start wild scenes on the pitch and also with the vociferous support on the terraces.

Celebrations continued in the changing rooms after the trophy presentation and the team had to be asked to leave as the ground was closing!!