Two second half goals saw Bromley run out deserved Under 13 Cup winners against Maidstone United after a hugely enjoyable Final at Salters Lane, Faversham.

Inspired by man of the match – their skipper Billy French and with striker Carlos Israel Ospina almost unplayable – Bromley were in the end comfortable winners, but it could have been so, so different had Maidstone converted a first half penalty which Marcus Hinge dragged wide of the right post.

Bromley had the ball in the net inside the opening ten minutes as Alfie Bryant’s shot saw Ospina toe the ball home only for the assistant’s flag to be raised.

The Stones then were awarded their penalty for a clumsy tackle but sadly Hinge blasted his kick wide.

Ospina then showed his power by leaving three in his wake as he burst into the box only to be denied bravely by Maidstone keeper Ben Folkard, before the Stones went close again when following a Will Saunders free kick which was cleared for a corner, the ball skidded off a defender’s head forcing Alfie Synuck into a fine save to his right.

At the start of the second half, French and Hinge clashed on the edge of the box in a challenge that summed up the game – the Bromley skipper sent the Maidstone striker spinning yet both players were quickly back on their feet with smiles on their faces…

And those smiles spread to all those in white as Ospina broke the deadlock shortly afterwards.  Picking the ball up just inside the Maidstone half, he was away and gone and couldn’t be caught as he left defenders in his wake before scoring gloriously.

Ospina then had the chance to score but was denied firstly by some smart defending and then another good save from Folkard.  Sadly for the Stones keeper though he had no answer to the decisive second goal Ospina used his pace and power to turn provider.  A great through ball found Max Walsh whose first time drive beat the keeper and cannoned into the net off of the right post.

Try as they might, Maidstone couldn’t get back into game despite Samuel Awatefe being denied by  fine a Synuck block after getting on the end of a move where Leo Deere fed Frankie Walker.

After the game, Maidstone coach Kieran Cullerton was full of praise for his side who have only been together for eight months.

“I think 2-0 may have flattered them, but they were  a good side and we’ve only been together eight months – so I can’t complain.”

“We played well, and who knows what would have happened if we’d have scored first.”

Referring to the penalty his side missed, “I can’t and won’t fault Marcus – he’s got us out of holes before, and so for him to take it show a great character.  We’ve had a good season and sadly today it wasn’t to be.”

Bromley Head Coach Reggie Oliver was full of praise for his side – as you would expect.

“The boys stuck to what we told them which was just as well as the first half could have gone either way. “

“I thought it was a soft penalty and that we should have had one in the second half for that matter!”

He went onto praise his side’s supporters.  “They’re terrific aren’t they?” he said.

“They created a great atmosphere…  we call them “The Tannoyettes” – and they’re available for hire,” he added with a huge grin on his face.

Seriously though, Bromley were comfortable winners and received their trophy amidst joyous scenes.

 

BROMLEY – Alfie Synuck, Harry Gaskell, Charlie Matthews, Billy French, Sebastian Thorpe, Alfie Ryan, Carlos Israel Ospina, Remell Greison, Zack Collett, Harrison Kempston, Eddie Nmbi

Subs – Adam Cooke, Max Walsh, Oman Goodson, Baykim Rajgami, Shirman Rao

 

MAIDSTONE – Ben Folkard, Will Saunders, Will Risdon, Cullum Marshall, Sam Freeman, Jack Potter, Luke Adams, Callum Rollings, Frankie Walker, Leo Deere, Marcus Hinge

Subs – Finley Summers, Samuel Awatufe, Tyler Jennings, Zak Emmings, Alastair Petrie

(KSN would like to apologise to both teams if any of the names listed above are incorrect.  The copying machine at Salters Lane was on its last legs when the team sheets were copied)

 

Referee – Lloyd Davis

Assistants – Josh Smith & Daniel Bryant

Fourth – Joseph Monkhouse

 

Pictures supplied by www.psp-images.co.uk