Football: Thompson hits cup final treble
LORD WESTWOOD 0 DEEPING ATHLETIC 4
LORD WESTWOOD 0 DEEPING ATHLETIC 4(PFA Sunday Morning Senior Cup Final)
HAT-TRICK hero Richard Thompson stole the show as this galaxy of Deeping stars signed off from Sunday morning football in perfect style – by bagging a first-ever PFA Senior Cup crown.
The big striker's scoring feat might have stunned city side Lord Westwood in a sun-baked Chestnut Avenue showpiece, but it came as no surprise to his boss – and that really does mean boss in this case – Simon Dethick in what looks likely to be the trophy-winning outfit's final game.
Thompson would probably have found himself on the way to the Job Centre had he failed to deliver the goods but a goalkeeping gaffe, a stroke of good fortune and a moment of sheer genius made sure that wasn't going to be the case.
"Scoring a hat-trick in a cup final is a great effort," admitted Dethick. "Although Thommo's job did depend on it!
"We've never won this cup before and it could well end up being a great way for us to go out.
"The team could fold because it is so hard to get a side out. So many of the lads play at a high level on a Saturday and can't commit to turning out on Sunday mornings."
But Dethick had no problem in persuading his star players to show up on Sunday.
Lord Westwood defender David Lenihan headed a Matt Farrington drive off the line before Thompson was left with the easy task of dribbling the ball into an empty net as Deeping hit the front late in the opening half.
He was in the right place to cash in after Westwood keeper Lea Jordan (a man who spends his Saturday afternoons between the sticks for Southern League club Soham Town) had been left red-faced by a rogue bobble as he attempted to hack clear a backpass.
And Lady Luck was again on Athletic's side when they doubled their lead after the break. Substitute Anthony Graves mis-hit an attempted strike at goal straight into the path of Thompson who picked his spot with a pinpoint finish.
But the best was yet to come as Thompson completed his treble with the goal of the game – delicately lobbing Jordan with the outside of his boot after a mighty launch from keeper Lee Peacock had landed deep in Westwood territory.
Jordan pulled off a fine stop to prevent Graves from getting on the scoresheet, but he was powerless to stop David Burton-Jones slotting home after waltzing through an almost non-existent defence.
At the other end, Peacock made smart saves in both halves to deny Gareth Sanderson and also finger-tipped an Andrew Bradley blockbuster onto the bar.
Dethick added: "The scoreline might have flattered us a bit, but I don't think anyone could argue that we deserved to win. We're delighted to have the trophy."Lord Westwood: Lea Jordan, David Lenihan, Joe Duffy (Ricky Rosario), Ben Lawrence, Tim Lenihan, James Cox, Gareth Sanderson, Anthony Rosario, Andrew Bradley, Danny Wilder (Paul Kelly), Troy Brown (Leon Revely).
Deeping Athletic: Lee Peacock, Andy Stewart, Mark Wilson, Matt Porter, Tuncay Korkmaz, Chris McRoyal, David Burton-Jones, Ben Stimson, Ryan Birtles (Anthony Graves), Richard Thompson (Ash Phillips), Matt Farrington. Unused: Gareth Woods, Justin Parr, Rob Yardy.
Referee: Damon Pywell.
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Thursday 18 March 2010
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