Tibbitts nets late winner as Forest win the cup!

The final of the Stratford Alliance Division 1 Cup was held at the Home Guard Club in Stratford on a warm Spring evening in April.

With both Henley and Claverdon securing a win each in the league matches between the sides the final was expected to be a close encounter and the game that ensued was a tense, exciting match for the almost 100 fans who had turned up to watch both teams.

The first half was an even affair with both sides looking dangerous from set pieces but with few clear cut chances being created by either side.
It was Forest who struck first midway through the first half; Tom Tarbuck took advantage of Claverdon indecision in the box from a Henri Lewis long throw to nod home the opening goal.
The dry pitch made free flowing football difficult but the players from both sides were showing excellent commitment to the game, making it a very hard fought contest across the pitch.
Claverdon ended the half slightly on top with a series of free kicks but these were well defended by Forest who went into half time with Tarbucks' goal keeping them ahead.

The second half brought a couple of fresh faces into the Claverdon line up and these had an immediate effect.
Claverdon had a sustained period of pressure for the first 10 minutes of the half and it was their turn to take advantage of Henley's inability to clear the second ball from a corner, the equalizer expertly driven home with an angled strike.
The goal seemed to further energize Claverdon and Henley defended resolutely under a further 10 minutes of pressure from a now confident Claverdon side.
With 25 minutes to go manager McCarthy made 2 initial subs which evened out the game again. Jamie Walsh replaced Neil Jones who had an excellent evening providing defensive cover in centre midfield and Jordan Clark replaced Matt Tibbitts at right back who had defended resolutely against the heavy Claverdon pressure.
The fresh energy provided by these two allowed Henley to take control of the game and with 20 minutes to go the decisive change was made, with Dave Tibbitts replacing the brilliant Tarbuck who had been a constant nuisance to the Claverdon defence and an excellent outlet allowing Henley to launch attacks all evening.
The strength of Tibbitts unsettled the Claverdon defence and it was with 5 minutes to go that he reacted quickest to a fumble in the box from a corner to head home the winner and bring the cup to Henley.
Following the goal defensive cover was provide by Ed Fitter who replaced the tireless Charlie Vale and Henley held out to lift the cup!