Tuesday 13th May 2014 (Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy – Final played at Burnham Ramblers FC)
A frustrating season reached its end as Borough ended their 23 match unbeaten run with a solitary goal defeat in the Trophy final. Already depleted by injuries and work commitments and being required to undertake an extremely difficult rush hour journey was drawback enough and matters were made even worse when two intended starters did not arrive before kick off even though that was delayed by 25 minutes. Indeed no players had reached the stadium until just 30 minutes from kick off and meaningful preparation was impossible. Despite the problems Borough played some attractive football in the first half but went in at the interval a goal down after a series of uncharacteristically sloppy defensive errors gifted an opportunity to Hullbridge which they duly snapped up with a crisp finish midway through the half. A young Hullbridge side were full of running and determination but for all their endeavours they never gave Borough ’keeper Austin Byfield much of a serious test after an early backward leap saw him tip a long dipping shot over the bar. Nick Nicou had Borough’s best early chance as with his back to goal he hooked a shot just over the bar from the six yard line. Borough also never really troubled the Hullbridge stopper Bobby Mason until a few minutes from the interval when a venomous low cross shot by Richard Worrell seemed sure to find the corner until he flung himself full length to tip it round the post for the save of the match and a crucial turning point. Unfortunately Borough’s second half display was lamentably below par with no player really enhancing their reputation and most failing to produce anything like the quality previously displayed throughout the long run of success. For all the possession and pressure Mason was not obliged to produce much in the way of heroics with the Borough side showing a distinct lack of imagination as ball after ball was launched long in the direction of the penalty area even after it became obvious that the tall Hullbridge central defenders were having no trouble repelling such a predictable and repetitive approach. Borough’s usual eager sorties down the flanks to produce dangerous low crosses from the bye-line were few and far between and passes were often too easily intercepted or misplaced. The fast running Hullbridge front men kept the Borough defence on its toes but without creating much in the way of clear scoring opportunities. Borough failed to launch much of an onslaught in the final few minutes as Hullbridge massed back in defence and cleared their lines in no nonsense fashion. Dean Fenton had a headed half chance but directed it well wide and Dewayne Clarke angled a difficult late opportunity into the side netting.
Borough squad:- Austin BYFIELD, Andreas LOIZOU, Daniel WALKER (Cedric LAKOLE),
Nick NICOU (Dewayne CLARKE), Joseph O’CEARUILL, Charles DOUSE
Daniel ARISTIDOU, Stephen OBENG , Dean FENTON
Richard WORRELL (Darrell COX), Rakim RICHARDS
Unused Subs:- Christopher CORDARA-SOANES, Ashley HARRIS (GK)