After last week’s semi final win against Wenhanston FC, Waveney returned to Spexhall to contest the Bramfield Cup against tournament hosts Spexhall FC. George Millington was forced into making a number of changes with six players unavailable and so a number of debutants played their part in an excellent team performance.
Waveney made a bright start to the first half and enjoyed plenty of possession with the midfield four linking up well with the front two of Mawson and Oldman. Spexhall to their credit were well organised and proved to be a stubborn unit to break down and looked to counter attack at pace, although goalkeeper Reynolds and his back four of Renshaw, Grigg,England and Francis dealt with any threat comfortably.
The breakthrough finally came midway through the half when recent signing Luke Salmon broke down the left at pace, beat his man and pulled the ball back to Oldman who made no mistake in slotting the ball home neatly from 6 yards.
The remainder of the half continued in the same vein with Waveney attacking at will although Reynolds was forced into a couple of smart saves before the break to keep the advantage intact.
Spexhall came out with all guns blazing in the second half and started to believe that they could get something out of the game. Waveney managed to withstand 15 minutes of pressure with captain Griggs leading by example in winning everything in the air and the centre midfield pairing of Scarff and Brown putting in a shift to break up Spexhall’s attacks.
This was the wake up call that Waveney needed and on 62 minutes Oldman was found on the right of the penalty box, marked by two men he cleverly passed inside to Andy Snape who curled the ball into the corner of the net from 12 yards out for the all important second goal.
Waveney introduced fresh legs and Spexhall did not let up and fought their way back into the tie when from a corner their striker moved away from his marker and headed home from close range at the near post.
The Golds however had the final say when Salmon capped of an impressive display by breaking down the left and powered the ball past the goalkeeper into the far corner to ensure that Waveney lifted the cup.
Thanks to Spexhall FC for hosting a well organised tournament where £120 was raised for a local charity. Waveney kick off their league campaign with a trip to local rivals Beccles Town Reserves on Wednesday 22nd August 6.30pm ko.