Huntingdonshire FA Junior Cup Final, 12 April 2011

But for the width of a post, or a strip of neoprene, how very, very different could the result have been. It was these two things alone kept out CSV and denied them cup glory.

The game at the Hunts Post Community Stadium in St Neots was dominated by CSV and yet they left empty-handed, victims of a smash and grab by opponents Hartford Sun. The league side dominated their opponents in nearly every area of the game, so when the goal did come, it was very much against the run of play.

CSV had kept Hartford pinned back in their own half for the majority of the opening half-hour, and were rocked when Jason Lee broke free to score from a hopeful punt forward. Seeking to relieve the pressure the Hartford midfield punted the ball long with the intention of pushing CSV back. A fortunate bounce however saw the ball drop kindly for Lee who took well-controlled touch, before calmly firing home past CSV keeper Stefan Gallucci. It was harsh on Gallucci whose involvement in the game until that point had consisted of three goal kicks and scooping up one loose ball in the opening minute.

On the stroke of half time Michael Stannard had the crowd thinking he had equalised with a thumping half-volley, only for the bell to rebound from the far post and out for a goal kick. The weak clearance ensuing immediately put the Hartford defence back under pressure, and CSV were again unlucky not to score during a goalmouth scramble.

It seemed after the restart that Hartford had received a verbal rocket at half-time, as instead of appearing gun-shy as they had in the first half, they came out with all guns blazing. However, for all their huff and puff, they could not break through, and their attack began to lose its impetus. A defensive mistake on the hour allowed Hartford in again, but Gallucci was more than equal to it, producing a superb double stop to keep out Steve Williams and Mark Cowles.

Taking heart from this, CSV pressed for an equaliser, but allowed themselves to become stretched at the back. Cowles picked up the ball and ran free into the area. Gallucci came rushing out and Cowles went tumbling. The referee initially looked set to signal a goal-kick, but upon consultation with his assistant pointed to the spot, and Gallucci received a caution for his trouble. Goal scorer Lee stepped up for the spotkick, and then ducked as it rebounded from the hoarding above the goal!

Any malaise CSV were feeling was well and truly shaken off by the penalty miss, and they looked certain to make Hartford pay for their profligacy. Simon Stevens had the Hartford keeper backpedalling from a looping header, which he only just managed to tip over the bar. From the corner Stevens was again denied, and although the keeper spilled the ball, he was able to claw away the rebound shot from Joe Jordan.

With ten to go, Stevens was denied again as his rangy effort began to dip alarmingly as it neared the goal before being turned wide as it bounced in the six-yard area. Hartford could not escape their own half and spent virtually the last five minutes of the game camped in their own penalty-area. Jordan had another effort tipped over, having spotted the keeper off his line, before Stevens saw his effort spilled and recovered before he could get to loose ball. Deep into stoppage time, Luke Thomas had a gilt-edged opportunity to force extra time, but could only head wide to hand Hartford the trophy in their debut season.