In the first half, both teams appeared to make an edgy start with Thatcham probably having more of the play but were met with stiff defensive play from Elliott Barton, Cameron Foster, Connor Sims and Mason Muckleburg. At the other end, a defensive wall of four Thatcham players met North Leigh’s lone forward Zak Oliver. The game became bogged down in midfield with Elliot Major and Sam Sherpa-Moore battling hard to win the ball. Ryan O’Rourke was penalised for what seemed a fair tackle and from the resulting free kick, the referee gave a penalty for handball. Thatcham’s midfielder stepped up to slot home just passed the outstretched fingers of Charlie Cassidy in goal, 1-0 (23 mins). Both teams battled on, and the half ended.

In the second half, North Leigh made some attacking changes with instant impact. Connor Allsop seemingly beating Thatcham’s players down the left wing with ease every time he got the ball and it wasn’t long before he created North Leigh’s equaliser. Connor’s solo run down the left wing resulted in a fine cross, with Shay Kelly pulling Thatcham’s defenders wide, leaving Charlie Cassidy in place to rise like a salmon and nod a superb header into the net, 1-1 (40 mins). North Leigh looked dangerous every time they came forward but it was Thatcham who took the lead. Jamie Collins headed clearance fell kindly for another Thatcham midfielder and he made no mistake with his shot passed Sam Sherpa-Moore in goal, 2-1 (45 mins).

North Leigh came back but an injury to Connor Allsop resulted in more formation changes with Lewis De’ath and Sam Hanson who came on to shore up the attack. But in the dying minutes, Thatcham increased their lead to 3-1 (59 mins) and the referee blew the final whistle.

Thatcham Town Harriers win the cup 3-1. Congratulations. For North Leigh, this is quite an achievement in their first ever season as a team to reach the final. Well done boys!