FC Hamlets travelled to Cockfosters FC in the final of the London Junior Cup yesterday. After last weeks last minute postponement it was a relief to board the coach and make the trip over. When Hamlets arrived they were greeted by heavily played upon pitch with credit having to go to the groundsmen, who had clearly been working hard.

Kick off started and straight away Hamlets saw a chance come their way. A low whipped ball across the six yard box was nearly latched onto, however a Diaspora defender managed to turn the ball around for a corner. Four minutes on the clock and hamlets took the lead. Sanogo Abdramane stood a ball up to the penalty spot and John Gilroy put his foot through the ball on the volley to hammer Hamlets into an early lead. A mere 10 minutes later Hamlets captain George Oakley battled and won the ball away from the two Diaspora central midfielders and played John Gilroy through who sprung the offside trap and finished emphatically from 20 yards out. At this stage Hamlets were obviously in control and dominating the possession.

As quickly as Hamlets had taken the lead Diaspora grew into the game, pouncing on Hamlets now careless passing. Diaspora were now creating half chances. On the 27th minute Diaspora had a corner which was floated into the near post. Ashaan Siddik headed out for another corner taking no chances. The 2 successive corner proved a lot more dangerous for Diaspora. The ball was then whipped into the far post area where a Diaspora player rose above everyone to head home from 6 yards out.

With the score now 2-1 the momentum was with Diaspora. Hamlets began chasing Diaspora in search of regaining possession. The game at this point was being broken up quite frequently by silly free kicks committed by both outfits as well as the difficult playing surface.

Half Time: FC Hamlets 2 UCC Diaspora 1

The second half began with Hamlets knowing the next goal was vital. The game became quite physical with strong challenges being made by both sides. Diaspora chances were restricted to set pieces in and around the Hamlets 18 yard box. With 20 minutes remaining George Oakley put a low cross into the box that was latched onto by Jay Morris, who flicked unluckily into the Diaspora side netting. Jay Morris proved a menace to the Diaspora defence all afternoon, winning arial balls and holding up play. Miles Best and Gilroy continued running the flanks to great effect.

On the 68th minute a half clearance was crossed straight back into the Diaspora box, and found an unmarked Jamie Lottrie. Under pressure he managed to get a shot off only to see the Diaspora keeper spill it into the path of Ashan Siddik who blasted over from close range. Siddik turned around to see the linesman flag up for offside. At this point both Siddik and Abdramane where picking the ball up from Oakley and the back four and began driving at Diaspora to some good effect.

Around this time Hamlets introduced Jack Potten, Ian Morris and Rhonan Casey. All slotted into their positions to great effect with Potten looking widen the pitch for Hamlets on the attack. Ian Morris went close when put through and Casey looking to calm the Hamlets play down with his slick passing ability.

Diaspora then had their best chance. A ball played centrally into the Hamlets box got the faintest of touches off Defender Kevin Baudrier's resulting in Keeper Pyne kicking the ball to safety. On the 80th minute the ball fell to Riley Richards. He took a touch and hit a screamer from 30 yards out. The ball was literally travelling to the top hand corner, only to see the Diaspora keeper to get across and pull off the save of the match.

Patrick Hoy stood up to a tricky Diaspora winger who was looking to hit the line and deliver a ball in. Hamlets managed to see out the match 2-1 victors, meaning Hamlets were to lift the cup for the 2nd time in 3 years.

Like many times in the clubs 5 year history, every player has contributed throughout the competition and season. A huge thanks must also go to the management duo of Ashley King and Senie Emmanual. Together they have taken FC Hamlets from a park side to an Essex Olympian outfit with further ambitions. The work and dedication these two commit to every week, is not always seen but is always appreciated by the clubs players.

Congratulations to all that are associated with FC Hamlets.

FC Hamlets: Pyne, Richards, Hoy, Lottrie, Baidrier, Oakley (C), Siddik, Best (Potten), Gilroy (Casey), Abdramane (I.Morris), J.Morris

Man of the Match:Kevin Baudrier

Hamlets would love to thank our 12th man yesterday and throughout the season for their support.

Team Photo credited to AZImages