| Michael Kayembe's late goal was enough to give Gadeside Rangers Reserves a much deserved victory in the final of the Tony Ansell Challenge Plate and earn them their first ever piece of silverware in their first season of existance. Gadeside had dominated large parts of the game against Everett Rovers before Kayembe popped up in the 83rd minute to settle the game. |
| Gadeside's starting XI included the returning Kevin Putman and also first team players Tom Oliver and Matt Evans who were drafted in after Rob Metcalf, Fionntan Murphy and Jo Bennett were all unavailable. Gadeside started well and were clearly up for a battle with Matt Day dominating in the middle of midfield. The pace of Toby Zhou and Michael Kayembe was clearly worrying the Everett defence and on several occassions it was only a lack of penetration from Gadeside that prevented them from being clear on goal. When Zhou did finally break through he was cynically taken down by an Everett defender. Zhou saw just off target after pouncing on a huge clearance by Tom Oliver, Kayembe fired over and both Matt Day and Matt Evans went close from set pieces. However the best chance of the half came just before the break when a right wing cross picked out the onrushing Steve Dettmer but he contrived to put the ball over from 8 yards. |
| Everett began to get a grip of the game in the second half and enjoyed spells of possession but were never able to get in behind the Gadeside defence with the pairing of Matt Evans and Ben Higginson rocks in the Gadeside defence. Still Gadeside looked dangerous everytime they went forward and Paul Bangs saw his right wing cross headed towards his own goal by Kieran Cahill but the ball fell agonisingly wide of the upright. At the other end Tom Oliver had to be alert to push a downheader over the bar from a corner but the deadlock was finally broken with seven minutes to go. Sub Chris Fitzpatrick sent in a right wing cross that found Toby Zhou. His initial effort lacked any venom but the ball fell kindly for Michael Kayembe who was on hand to tuck the ball into the with the keeper nowhere. |
| Everett threw men forward in the final minutes in a desperate search for an equaliser but again the Gadeside defence stood firm and if anything, it was Gadeside who looked more likely to score. Toby Zhou danced his way through the Everett defence but was guilty of trying to walk the ball in and the ball was cleared. Referee Harradine soon sounded the final whistle and signalled much jubilation for the Gadeside squad. Michael Kayembe was awarded the man of the match award and signalled the partying to begin. Gadeside were well worth the win and can take much pleasure from what has been a decent first season for them in a tough league. |
| Tom Oliver, Paul Bangs, Bob Flint (Graeme Cole), Ben Higginson, Matt Evans, Matt Day, Mike Ashby (Chris Fitzpatrick), Kevin Putman, Toby Zhou, Michael Kayembe (Stuart Cartner), Jason Brownhill |