Cobham Wizards cast a spell over Sutton United Colts to win the Thorpe Park U16 County Cup.

The game started very quickly and Cobham Wizards were on the front foot from the first whistle. After 2 minutes Nick Avertoom had a good chance saved by Sutton’s Sam Allison and blasted the rebound out for a throw in.

Sutton United Colts were trying hard to play football out from the back but the press from Cobham Wizards were excellent. Sutton were unable to get a clean passing passage and on 12 minutes another great chance fell to Wizards Avetoom but again he was denied by an outstanding fingertip save from Sam Alison in the Sutton goal. The Sutton Untied Colts keeper was already keeping his side in the game.

It took Sutton 15 minutes to register a shot on goal which was easily dealt with by Cobham Wizards keeper Shaw Simler. Cobham were still on top and Ryan Danso from the Wizards was breaking up every promising attack that Sutton looked to launch.

The high press and pressure from Cobham slowly started to fad away and Sutton United Colts grew into the game and on 23 minutes a chance feel into the box after a deflected shot from Denny Neary fell into the path of Suttons Oliver Stephens but a brilliant tackle prevented a shot on goal.

On 32 minutes Sutton’s Denny Neary picked the ball up and drove at the Cobham Wizards defence. He was brought down 25 yards from goal but picked himself up to produce a break taking freekick into the top corner of the Wizards net. The goal was against the run of play but was fitting to grace any cup final.

The first half finished with Sutton 1-0 up and Cobham Wizards must have been thinking how were they losing after dominating play and position in a pulsating first half of football.

The 2nd half started and within 20 seconds Cobham had earned a free kick 30 yards from goal. Sadly the free kick was crashed into the wall.

It was Sutton United Colts turn to drive the high press with Benny Duffus leading from the front. Suttons press really put Cobham Wizards on the back foot but the defence was being strong and hoping that this high level press would slow down.

In the 48th minute the forwards responded for Cobham Wizards. A lovely floated corner was met perfectally by skipper Michael Donnelly who powered a header past the Sutton United Colts keeper. 1-1 and it was game on.

Both teams were making changes to try and find a foothold to drive on and 5 minutes after drawing level Cobham Wizards went 2-1 up after some quick work from a thrown in, Joel Doherty provided a high cross which was expertly put into the corner of the goal by Kai Cooper.

After a really fast and intense first 10 minutes to the second half the game calmed down. Cobham Wizards were playing well but Sutton United Colts were still asking questions but couldn’t find an equalizing goal.

Both defences were on top and neither side was able to find that goal to clinch the final or take the game to penalties.

On 80 minutes a golden chance fell to Sutton as the ball dropped into the box, 10 yards out but somehow the Wizards goalkeeper saved to keep the game at 2-1. It looked to be a match winning save but the 4th official indicated that there would be 8 minutes added on – would Sutton United get another chance to take the game to penalties?

55 seconds after the glorious chance was missed by Sutton United, Cobham went down the other end to score a 3rd. Great work down the wing, getting to the byline and from the cut back Steve Cushing was there to make it 3-1 and wrap up the final.

The game was played in great spirit and both teams gave it 100% on the night.

Attendance: 250

Goals: (Sutton United Colts) Neary (34)

     (Cobham Wizards) Donnelly (46) Cooper (53) Cushing (80 + 2)

Referee: Sam Govier

Assistant: Will Love

Assistant: Harvey Cross

Fourth Official: Luke McCarthy

Images of the game can be viewed and purchased by following the link below.  

 MATCH GALLERY