County secured its first ever, AFA Cup with a 4-2 win on penalties, over Actonian Association Reserves, from the Southern Amateur League. County, defiantly had the better chances during the game but nearly threw away the victory, conceding a last minute penalty, taking the game into extra-time. Old Finchleians were hosting the game and having prepared a fine playing surface, the threatened, early afternoon rain, disappeared to glorious sunshine and a good game was on the offering.

County had a strong squad available, with Manager Lovett selecting his tried and tested 4-4-2 formation. After the opening skirmishes, an ariel battle for our centre halves, Tony Sayers and skipper Neil Spackman was on. Actonians were playing a direct game up to their huge number 9 who was winning pretty much everything. Ten minutes and this style, paid off. A direct ball wasn't dealt with well enough and the number 9 found himself through and lobbed the on-rushing Stef Shamlian. 1-0.
This spurred County. They began to compete better. Reducing the supply to Actonians direct game. County were dominating. Chances, saw a Rich Fahey free-kick saved and a Steve Young header go wide. On 25 minutes a game changer, saw the big number 9 go off injured. Then a Tony Sayers long throw created confusion in the box, the ball found its way to Steve Young, whom fired home with a fine finish 1-1. County were playing with confidence.
A quick Cam Wallis boot change, allowed James Lamont an early 5 minutes. On one of his standard, mazey runs, he was up-ended. From the resulting Rich Fahey free kick, he picked out Neil Spakerman - 1 on1 at the back post. He rose above his marker and powerfully, headed passed the goal keeper, with the ball bouncing towards the goal, Tom Case was there and made sure. The goal was debated long into the night with Spackman being the loudest, getting the nod. 1-2

HALF-TIME 1-2

With the sun now behind County, they began the half at speed. Within seconds Cam Wallis had a 1 on 1 chance but was unable to finish, seeing his shot saved. Over the next 10 minutes half chances fell to County but came to nothing. The most memorable was skipper, Neil Spackman's, left foot shot, coming closer to hitting the corner flag than the goal.
Sub, James Lamont replaced Tom Case.
Actonians were dominating processions but were very well marshalled by a tight 4-4-2 formation. But fresh legs were needed.
Sub, Stu Street replaced Damo Proto.
County continued to defend solidly with Actonians rarely threatening County's goal. Then on 85 minutes Tony Sayers nearly handed Actonians the equaliser. Trying to usher the ball out for a goal kick, he was robbed. The centre forward, now through on goal was thwarted by Stef Shamlian with a superb, double save.
Sub Pat Ball replaced Cam Wallis.
With the clock now hitting 94 minutes and the crowd waiting for the whistle, a cross from Actonians created an element of panic in County's box. Unable to clear a last ditched, strong challenge from Matt Paton, won the ball but to the amazement of the crowd the referee awarded a penalty. This was defiantly a 50/50 challenge, Im afraid the ref thought worthy of a penalty. Up stepped Actonians 2-2. Extra Time

FULL-TIME 2-2

Boy this was a hard one to swallow but the boys were fired up to put this right. A quick re-shuffle, replacing Chris Westwood with Cam Wallis and going back to a 4-4-2 formation.

Extra time saw County the strongest and by far the fittest side. The best chance over the 30 minutes, fell to Stu Street who had a header from 6 yards superbly saved.

FULL TIME of EXTRA - TIME 2-2

PENALTIES

Cam Wallis, Damo Proto, Tom Case, Steve Young, Rich Fahey, were selected for County's 5.

Actonians went first, scored 1-0
Cam Wallis scored - 1-1
Actonians - Stef saved down to his left 1-1
Damo Prorto scored - 1-2
Actonians scored 2-2
Tom Case scored - 2-3
Actonians missed, high and wide - 2-3
Steve Young scored 2-4

County won their first ever AFA Cup.

This was a fine amateur game, with both sides looking to play football but both found this difficult, against hard working opponents. County had, by far the better chances but Actonians, slightly shaded possession. County’s resilience and desire to win is unquestionable and winning 3 penalty shoot outs to win this cup, is no fluke and a credit to the squad.

County now have the opportunity to make, club history with a double cup win in the LOB Cup on Saturday.