The Norfolk Junior Cup is the second oldest County Cup that Norfolk FA run, having been established in 1889-90 when Wymondham 2nd XI beat Rudham 2-1. That Wymondham side features prominently in the early years, winning the trophy in four of the first seven seasons, culminating with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over North Yarmouth in 1896-97.
Over the years the trophy has been lifted by an enormous number of different Clubs, many of whom are sadly no longer in existence, including some wonderfully named sides such as Blue Crusaders, Yare Barrell Factory, Esdelle Works, Norwich Teachers and West Norfolk Fertilisers! The cup has also been won by sides who have subsequently moved into senior football, such as Gorleston, Fakenham and Wroxham.
The Norfolk Junior Cup is often one of the most keenly contested finals and this was never more true than in 1996-97 when Aylsham Wanderers scored five times, only to lose to Wells Town who went one better, scoring six! All three of the most recent finals have been similarly tight, albeit with less goals being scored. Norwich St Johns needed penalties to beat King’s Lynn A in 2008-09 after a 1-1 draw, whilst West Lynn Sports & Social Club beat Foulsham 2-1 the following year.
The 2010-11 final was a great match between UEA and Reffley Royals, with the students just edging things by a score of 2-1. On leaving the stadium that night Reffley vowed to be back and they were true to their word, becoming the first side to reach back to back finals since Gayton were beaten in 2002-03 and again in 2003-04. Reffley went on to claim the trophy for 2011-12, defeating Harleston 2-1 before current holders Catfield overcame Mundford with a 4-1 victory to win the cup for the 2012-13 season.
To view fixtures and results from this season’s Norfolk Junior Cup competition, staged in partnership with Sportsguard, click here.
