The Jock Mitchell Memorial Trophy Final was the last of our 4 domestic cup finals of the 2024/2025 Season and saw two teams that had enjoyed very good Seasons compete for a first Cup Final trophy in their respective histories.
Ruskington AFC were the first of the semi-finalists to make the final after they defeated Anchor FC in their semi-final fixture, Belton FC, for their part, had to await an FA review of their semi-final cup fixture against Greenbank FC before they could take their place in the final.
Harry Johnson of Belton FC got proceedings under way on a perfect night for football with the LNER pitch looking in pristine condition despite the rigors of an EFL League 1 Season played on it by our illustrious hosts.
There was much to admire about the football played by both teams in the first half of the match with both teams looking comfortable on the ball and both teams happy to zip the ball around and bring their respective pacy players into play wherever possible.
Despite the best efforts of both teams the first half ended goal-less and both keepers gave confident displays throughout. The best chance of the first half arrived in the 23rd minute when Pio Kudla of Belton somehow contrived to blaze over the bar from just 3 yards when the goal was at his mercy. Whatever happened the chance went begging as the goal was empty and for once in a footballers life the pitch could not be blamed for the miss!
With both teams taking the game to their opponents the first half was an open affair and Ruskington’s best effort of the first half arrived in the 36th minute when skipper Phil James hit the Belton crossbar with a looping header with Belton keeper Kyle Cole well beaten.
Despite the best efforts of both teams the first half ended without either side managing to break the deadlock and a game that many thought may provide plenty of goals ended with neither side able to find one.
Half-time: Ruskington AFC 0-0 Belton FC.
The second half began in lively fashion with both teams going close to opening the scoring. Firstly Jacob Riley got in a powerful shot in the 48th minute for Ruskington but he skewed his shot slightly and the ball flashed past the Belton post.
This was followed by a repost from Belton that saw them go close with two efforts inside a minute. Firstly, Pio Kudla played a superb ball over the top for team mate Matt Barnes, in the 49th minute but Barnes, on as a second half substitute, was unable to get a clean shot at goal from 10 yards.
A minute later it was Barnes again who was seeking the first goal of the game but despite rounding Bryan Ruby in the Ruskington goal, Barnes saw his attempt at goal unceremoniously, but effectively, hacked away from goal and away to safety.
Despite the efforts of both teams the large pitch started to play its part and as the game moved into its final 10 minutes the unwanted cramp entered proceedings for a few of the players of both teams. As the game approached its final minutes of the regulation 90 minutes it began to look as though one goal would be enough to claim the silverware prize that would go to the winners.
And so it proved to be. The winning goal, and only goal, duly arrived in the 86th minute of the match and it came from the boot of the player that had started the game, Harry Johnson. Johnson was put through on goal and he displayed the quality and composure required before firing home past Bryan Ruby to send the Belton players and spectators wild with delight. In truth it was a tremendous strike, one that was befitting of winning a Cup Final which is exactly what it did.
With the end of the game fast approaching Belton managed the game out well without any major scares and it was the team from the 4th Division of the League that triumphed over the team that finished in second place in Division 3 that were left celebrating what was ultimately a special night for their team.
A special mention must be made to the team of Match Officials who collectively were the youngest set of 4 Match Officials that had ever been appointed by our League to a Cup Final. Superbly led by Referee Alex Van Tam, Assistant Referees Rex Whitehurst and Callum Logan, and 4th Official Will Vickers all gave faultless performances and should all be proud of their individual and team performance. I know that there were some proud parents, and grandparents watching on from the stands at their young family members, and rightly so. Well done to the Match officials’ team!
The trophy was presented to the teams and the Match Officials by Mr Ian Mitchell, son of the late Jock Mitchell, assisted by Ms Megan Panther, Representative of YMCA Lincolnshire, our League Sponsors.
That brought the curtain down on the League for the 2024/2025 Season. Whilst it is time for our Clubs and players to enjoy the Summer, work starts now for the 65th Season of our League which will start again in September and it will be here before we know it.
Enjoy the Summer break!
League Secretary.
