Peter Garland’s first half strike was the difference as Crayford One Bell won their third Kent FA Veteran’s Cup Final in a row.

With two evenly matched sides both proving their right to be competing in the final it was a close fought affair.

Johnson & Phillips started the better with greater possession but after a cagey opening it was Crayford One Bell who took the lead.

Garland chested the ball down with his back to goal but managed to twist and slam the ball home from close range giving Ian Manser no chance.

Johnson & Phillips looked to restore parity immediately and were unlucky as Paul Chambers and Kevin Taylor linked up well on the edge of the penalty area but Taylor saw his effort charged down and it was comfortable for Tony Kessell.

Garland was close to adding to his and his side’s goal with two headed efforts in quick succession – The first misdirected wide of goal and seeing his header from the subsequent cross cleared off the goal-line.

Matt Nuckey, proving a handful with his pace and quick feet, almost found a breakthrough of his own as Danny Frost’s lofted ball over the Johnson & Phillips back line was intercepted by the aware Manser.

Johnson & Phillips remained strong in possession but were unable to break down a resolute Crayford defensive wall and it was one of Crayford’s defenders, Danny Oakins, who narrowly headed wide at the other end shortly into the second half.

Michael Williams and the continued threat of Nuckey linked up well with Williams scuffing his low shot harmlessly wide of Manser’s far post.

On the hour Johnson & Phillips’ Lee Coburn headed down to frontman Kevin Taylor and although he struck his volley well it was straight at Tony Kessell, gathering comfortably.

Second half substitute Leigh Heinz’s introduction sparked a flurry of goalmouth activity as he blazed over from range after linking up well with Leeroy Huggins, followed by a solo effort blocked after good work on the left and cutting inside his man.

With Johnson & Phillips looking for the equaliser and with tiring legs gaps were appearing across the park and Williams missed a guilt-edged chance racing clear but slid his shot past Manser and the far post.

Heinz again found space but could only shoot straight at Manser and with time running out Nuckey found space behind Johnson & Phillips’ defensive line and checking back, laid the ball off to Huggins who saw Manser save well with his legs.

In stoppage time Johnson & Phillips had one last chance to take the game to extra time and with Manser joining his team-mates in the box in the ensuing melee Kessell managed to palm the ball away from danger.

The game’s man of the match, Crayford’s Marcos Perona, admitted to the game being tough and scrappy at times, played in tough conditions after recent poor weather but he championed his team-mates’ resilience and ability to keep on going and dig in where chances were few and far between.

And the winning manager Chris Tulley was delighted for his side winning a record third Veteran’s Trophy in a row complimenting their opponents for giving his Crayford side a tough game and as expected proved to be a difficult side to break down.

Tulley also added that despite the trophy win there is still plenty of hard work to do as they now turn their attention and efforts to league and league cup action where Crayford One Bell have a chance of more silverware before this campaign comes to a close.

 

Crayford One Bell: Kessell, Dennington ©, Oakins, John, Goodchild, Frost, Perona, Garland (Heinz, 63), Williams (Prett, 84), Huggins, Nuckey

Sub not used: Collier, Tuley, Bullard

 

Johnson & Phillips: Manser, Sabatino, Kearley, Chapman, O’Boyle, Lewis © (Gallagher, 74), Barrett (Murrell, HT), Ciolek, Chambers (Lewis, 84), Taylor, Coburn

 

Subs not used: Windsor, Farlam, Smith

Pictures supplied by PSP Images.