In their second successive League Cup Final, Brixworth All Saints Reserves went one better than the previous year, sealing victory through Sam Webb’s first half strike.

A game of two halves is a cliché oft trotted out, but there is no statement more apt than that to describe the Reserve Division 1 Final. Brixworth dominated the first half, closing down every Blisworth player who took possession, and giving them no time to play the ball. Blisworth were defending deep in their own half of the field, with their backs to goal, and the close pressure meant that sooner or later an error would be made. On 20 minutes a partially cleared ball fell straight back to a Brixworth midfielder who drifted a cross over for Webb to lash home from eight yards out.

The Brixworth onslaught continued but they could not turn it into further goals. Brixworth’s frustration was summed up when possession was lost and a late challenge from Kieran Flower earned him a caution. Shortly before the break, Blisworth created their first chance of the game through Josh Dawson but he put his shot wide of the post.

Blisworth came out for the second half like a house on fire, forcing Brixworth onto the back foot in much the same way as they themselves were from the start.  However like their opponents before them, they could not initially turn their pressure into chances. Dawson managed to fashion the first just after the hour but his low drive, although firm was comfortably saved.  John Spooner was next to try his luck but struck his shot across the face of the goal and wide. Blisworth did create one further chance with a free kick from halfway which dropped into the penalty area, causing momentary consternation amongst the Brixworth defence before being scooped up by the goalkeeper.

The final chance of the game fell to Brixworth when a bouncing ball over the top was lifted over the advancing ‘keeper and wide of the post. Flower’s night ended on a sour note five minutes from time when he was sent off  for picking up his second caution of the evening after bundling over Blisworth’s Simon Trussler.