The Hock on Top Against Pedlars

Hockering edge out Swaffham Town ‘A’ on penalties to lift the 4Work Primary Cup.

It was Swaffham Town’s, Harry Exley who started most promisingly in the opening minutes of the match, making some dangerous early attacking moves. Breaking through the Hockering defence, he was almost caught by chasing defenders but stumbled at the vital moment. Despite doing well to regain composure, his effort at goal flew into the arms of Ed Leviseur, proving no trouble for the keeper.

A corner for Swaffham gave the team another good chance to break the deadlock as Jack Dennis whipped the ball into the box. Amongst the traffic, it was met by Pedlars Captain, Ashely Rowland who attempted to nod it home with a header, but his effort was intercepted once again by Leviseur.

The first goal of the game came as Robbie Loraine raced into the Swaffham area having successfully beat the offside trap. Although his initial strike was cleared away by a last ditch goal line clearance, it was Josh Haycox of Hockering, who latched onto the rebound and calmly slotted the ball home to open the scoring.

There was almost a second goal for Hockering minutes later when Marcus Clark weaved his way past Swaffham’s back line, but this time Haycox could not find the target, firing it wide of the post. 

Inside the last five minutes of the first half, there was a promising chance for Swaffham to equalise as Exley connected with a pass from teammate Blake Davies. Despite dribbling past his opponents, his effort at goal could not be struck beyond Leviseur.

Half Time: Swaffham Town ‘A’ 0 – 1 Hockering

Both sides came out of the break fired up and wanting to command authority in the match. But with tempers slightly flared, Davies of Swaffham was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes.

Swaffham came close to finding their first goal of the game as a corner delivered by Dennis was met by a glancing header from Rowland, which travelled just wide of the far post. However, moments later, it was Will Butters who nestled the ball in the back of the net from ten yards out to equalise, following a driving run to the right of the box from Exley. His effort looped up over the head of the motionless Leviseur and into he far corner.

Striving to get back in front of their opposition, a free kick from Hockering captain Tom Stones was whipped into the box. The ball fell nicely for Loraine to take a shot at goal, but his effort wasn’t good enough to put his side back in front as the game was in its dying stages.

Following the 90 minutes, neither team could be separated, sending the game to penalties. In the shootout it was Hockering who came out on top, winning 4-2 and lifting the 4Work Primary Cup.

Final Score: Swaffham Town ‘A’ 1 – 1* Hockering (*Hockering win 4-2 on penalties)

Line ups:

Swaffham Town ‘A’: Jonathan Cockerill, Harrison Saldiray, Jack Dennis, Will Butters, Oli Wynne, Blake Stangroome, Blake Davies, Ashley Rowland ©, Harry Exley, Jordan Lown & Craig Titmarsh.

Subs: Lewis Garner, Liam Exley, Joe Friend, Charlie Gunner & Adam Smith.

Hockering: Ed Leviseur, Grant Brighton, Carl Kinsley, Brad Cannell, Declan Moore, Josh Haycox, Callum Cockram, Marcus Clark, Tom Stones ©, Lewis Jarrett & Robbie Loraine.

Subs: Dan Colk, Liam Plunket, Reece Westwood, Andy Medler & Olly Watkins.

Referee: Robert Emery

Assistant Referees: Andy Lucraft-Townley & Kye McCourt-Hall

Fourth Official: Shane Watts

Attendance: 404

Player of the Match: Josh Haycox – Hockering FC

Photography: Ben Cunningham