This was almost the classic game of two halves, with Warren dominating play in a first half that saw them almost take a fifth minute lead, as Ben Flynn flighted an inviting cross that resulted in Lewis Cutts misdirecting his header and other opportunities were created with striker Alex Troke proving a constant thorn in the GCS’ defence side, either with his well-directed ‘dead ball’ deliveries or the sharpness of his shooting, typified by a forty yard free kick that almost deceived Richard Hill in the GCS goal, who was pleased to deflect the ball behind for a corner.
GCS, eventually started to put some decisive passing together, a couple of moves resulting in Ashley Dixon and Jahren Barrow testing Warren ‘keeper Craig Nichols from the edge of the box but it was Warren who made their first half superiority tell by taking a thirty ninth minute lead, as Troke fed Cutts, who saw his strike deflect off a defender and finish in the corner of the net.
The advantage could have been doubled a couple of minutes later, as Troke fired another long range free-kick that skimmed just over.
GCS started the second half on the front foot and should have levelled within three minutes of the re-start but a well-placed Jamie Wheeldon headed just over from a well-flighted barrow corner but conversely, Warren could have doubled their lead on the counter attack, as Matt Ward’s deep cross found the ever-dangerous Cutts, whose sweetly struck effort rebounded from the upright.
However, GCS were creating the better opportunities and midway through the half Alex Meehan, saw his well-directed header brilliantly saved by Nicholl and ten minutes later the Warren ‘keeper crowned his Man of the Match performance with an even finer stop, as he was at full-stretch to defy Meehan again, palming his well struck volley behind for a corner.
At the other end Richard Hill was not to be outdone by his opposite number, as he came to GCS’ rescue with an equally superb stop to thwart Troke but he was eventually beaten, as Warren made the game safe as the game entered added time, with the dangerous Lewis Cutts registering from close range.
Overall a deserved win for Warren in a competitive game played in a very sporting manner, as skipper; Richard Edgson-Jones, triumphantly lifted the trophy, presented by Nottinghamshire FA Director, John Wheat, supported by the Association’s Chairman, Brian Hambidge.
Match report courtesy of John Wheat, Nottinghamshire FA Board Member.
Photographs courtesy of Alexandra Johnson Photography www.alexandrajohnsonphotography.co.uk