town hold on to trophy

Witham Town collected the Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup silverware for a fifth time as Heybridge Swifts were defeated 4-0 in the delayed 2012/13 final at Spa Road.

The final – held over from the end of the previous season – was the 76th in the long history of the competition following its inception in 1933. The D’Arcy Cup continues to contribute funds to the Essex FA’s Benevolent Fund, a Charity founded to assist players who experience financial hardship through footballing injury, and the latest showpiece raised an impressive £219 for the cause.

In an entertaining game, a strong Witham side proved clinical in front of goal. Danny Lopez, Joe Dear and James Stevens (twice, both from the penalty spot) all found the target against a Heybridge outfit primarily comprised of Under 21 players who showcased some fine football despite struggling to break down their opponents.

A bright start from Town had seen Stevens head Paul King’s corner inches over the crossbar before they took the lead on 14 minutes. Lopez dashed into the area before cutting inside and firing a rising shot inside the near post. Witham – early pacesetters in Ryman North – created further chances before the break; a pacy Lopez run ended with the ball being pulled back for Dear to shoot narrowly over and then Miguel Dupentical flashed a low effort across the face of goal following a good interchange with Lopez.

An early second half opportunity went the way of Witham’s Scott Pethers as his skidding drive evaded the far post before the lead was finally doubled three minutes beyond the hour mark as Dear created space for himself and directed the ball precisely into the far corner.

The four-goal winning margin was secured courtesy of two Stevens penalties. The former Southend United youngster first sent Swifts goalkeeper Peter Haxell the wrong way on 67 minutes before repeating the trick eight minutes later to ensure that Witham retained the trophy they had previously won in 2012 with victory over Burnham Ramblers.

Heybridge Swifts: Peter Haxell, George Morris, Bradley James, Matt Caley, Richard Hutchins, Josh Ivory, Ross James, Dominic Rowe, Ricky Gardner, Ben Arnold, Bradley Morgan. Substitutes (repeated): Conor Pertwee, Bradley Bushnell, Ben Wiseman, Charlie Hammond.

Witham Town: Jason Baker, Scott Pethers, Steve Good, Paul King, Miguel Dupentical, Paul White, Jack Stracy, James Stevens, Danny Lopez, Joe Dear, Gareth Hutchings. Substitutes (repeated): Lewis Down, Abechego Mensah, Jack Charnock, Harry Stoneham, Matty Willis.

Bookings: Heybridge: Caley (51, dissent), Arnold (61, foul), James (73, foul), Gardner (89, foul).

Referee: Daniel Cook (Braintree).

Assistant Referees: Joe Wrigley (Great Yeldham) & John Abbott (Silver End).