An 89th minute goal from a free-kick was enough to give BRNC Dartmouth victory over City Police in the Devon Wednesday league George Lang Cup final.
The match held at Weston Mill in Plymouth was BRNC’s first outing since their tour of Gibraltar and the team were keen to retain the cup, which they’d lifted for the first time last year.
BRNC set off from the outset looking to play their usual free flowing passing football, but this was made very difficult by the pitch conditions at Weston Mill.
Both sides tried to find their feet in the first 15 minutes with not many chances coming to either team. As the first half developed BRNC started to create more chances, the first falling to Officer Cadet (OC) Elliott Gorst who glanced his header straight at the keeper.
Another chance came moments later as BRNC tried to impose themselves on the game, Team Captain Midshipman (Mid) Will Just went round the centre half, however, his left footed effort was fired over the bar.
City Police then created a few chances to put themselves ahead but couldn't find their finishing touch.
BRNC gave possession away cheaply but the Police striker hit his shot straight at the BRNC keeper, Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Aaron Deakin.
He was pulled into action shortly afterwards, as the same striker found himself open in the penalty box, SLt Deakin pulling off a fingertip save to deny the frontman, unnecessarily however, as the striker was deemed to be offside.
More chances came BRNC's way but they were also unable to provide that finishing touch. Half time came with BRNC knowing they could win this game; they just needed to take their chances.
BRNC dominated the second half, however still could not put the ball in the back of the net. OC Amer looked dangerous and caused the Police defence some trouble but fired his shots over the bar.
OC Gorst's header was cleared off the line causing a goal mouth scramble but OC Andrew Goudie couldn't quite find the finishing touch.
Lieutenant Clark and OC Just dominated the midfield throughout the game and the Police's midfield struggled to have possession and work the ball.
BRNC then made a couple of changes, Sub Lt Granger coming on for OC Butler-Buy to sure things up at the back, and OC Abdul coming on for Lt Clark.
With BRNC dominating the team needed to maintain their concentration in defence. City Police then got a corner and this resulted in their best chance of the game, the ball falling to the Police striker but he smashed his volley over the bar from 12 yards out.
BRNC made their final chance as Leading Physical Trainer (LPT) Jamie Le Page went up front for OC Amer who made way for OC Al Duhani to offer a fresh pair of legs out wide.
As the game looked like heading into extra time, BRNC showed the same grit, determination and fitness that got them through the Devon FA cup final not long ago.
OC Abdul was brought down on the edge of the area in the 89th minute providing BRNC with a great opportunity.
LPT Le Page stepped up, curled his effort over the wall and straight into the top left corner. There was nothing the City Police goalkeeper could do about it!
BRNC held on for the final few minutes and the final finished 1-0 to BRNC. A solid performance all round from all players involved as BRNC retained the George Lang Cup.
A special mention must go out to a few players, mainly Team Captain, Mid Will Just, who has played for BRNC since May 16 and captained the team since Dec 16.
His efforts on and off the field have contributed to the success of BRNC FC and his presence will certainly be missed. Also LPT Jamie Le Page made his last appearance for the team, having played a substantial part this season.
His goal in the 89th minute and the award of Man of the Match was the perfect goodbye.
