The One Broker Veterans’ Cup Final 2021-22

There will be a new name on the Veterans’ Cup this season as neither Costessey Sports YBV or Thetford Town have lifted the trophy before.

Costessey Sports YBV compete in the One Broker Veterans League – Premiership, where they are set to finish comfortably mid-table. They have only lost three games all season and are unbeaten since the turn of the year, having won seven games on the bounce. After receiving a bye in the first round, ‘Sports’ travelled to Rocklands in the second round and won 6-2. Victories against North Walsham Town and FC Unathletico set up a Semi-Final clash with Division 3 West side, Swaffham Town. Costessey made their intentions clear for the final with a convincing 9-0 win against the Pedlars with goals from Jason Armes (3), Paul Cook (5) and Ben Read.

When asked about the final, Costessey Sports YBV Manager, Duane Smith said: “Reaching the County Cup final is an amazing achievement for us as a club. We had never made it past the quarter-finals in previous seasons. We set up this team back in 2018, winning Division 3 and Division 1, and are now being an established Premiership team. It would be an absolute honour to win the County Cup and myself and Ben would like to thank all the players and supporters for their efforts throughout the season.”

Thetford also ply their trade in the One Broker Veterans League, but in a division lower than their opponents, the Championship. Town currently sit top of their League having won five of their seven games, but this could change with three matches still to go. After a bye in the first round, and a closely fought 1-0 win against The Unthank Arms in the second, it was last year’s One Broker Veterans’ Cup winners Cringleford Veterans in the third round. They knocked out the defending Champions 4-2, thanks to braces for both Craig Skipp and Jack Walker. A 2-0 win in the quarter-final against Dussindale & Hellesdon Rovers meant they would have to beat the other finalists from last season to book their place at Harrod Sport Arena. Town brushed aside Mulbarton Wanderers scoring four unanswered goals, Jason Conroy was the hero thanks to his hat-trick. A team outside the One Broker Veterans League – Premiership hasn’t won the Veterans’ Cup since 2014 when Lynn North End beat Scole United 6-0 in the final. So, Thetford will be hoping to end that streak!

When asked about the final, Thetford Town Manager, Kevin Walsh said: “Reaching the final is an excellent achievement. We have good pedigree in the competition, having reached a final and two other semi-finals in recent years, but this group have the chance to go one step further. Winning the trophy would be a great achievement and thoroughly deserved for all the squad, but also to the club who have supported us throughout.”

Click here for the Programme

Match Officials

Referee: Chris Gray
Assistant Referees: Daniel Bird and Mark Shepstone
Fourth Official: Daniel Knowles

Costessey Sports YBV v Thetford Town

Harrod Sport Arena, The FDC, Bowthorpe
01/05/2022
Kick Off 2:30pm
Tickets: Adults £5, Concessions £3, Under 12s Free