Late winner denies Christchurch FC Russell Cotes Cup glory

Russell Cotes Cup Final: Christchurch 0-1 Sholing

BRAD Targett’s last-ditch header sealed Russell Cotes Cup glory for Sholing as they squeaked by Christchurch 1-0 in the final at Hurn Bridge Sports Ground.

Christchurch pushed the Wessex Premier champions till the third minute of added time when Targett was on target to snatch their trophy chances out of their clutches.

Tight affair

The first half was even throughout with both keepers called into action several times. Christchurch’s Harvey Wright came close early in the half as his long-range effort went narrowly over the bar.

Sholing’s best chance fell to Targett who had his strike blocked in front of goal and ricocheted wide as the teams went into the break deadlocked.

The second half was tense with plenty of chances for both sides. Midway through the second period, Dan Mason’s strike was cleared off the line by Wright to keep Christchurch in the game.

At the other end, Priory’s top scorer Ashley Pope had a penalty shout waived away by the referee.

Cup heartbreak

With the game heading for penalties after 90 minutes, Sholing pressed for a winner as Jake Hoole’s strike was deflected over the bar.

In the final minutes, the Boatmen got their breakthrough. Hoole’s enticing cross was met by Targett’s powerful header at the back post which beat the diving Christchurch keeper Max Frampton.

The header was the last of the action as Sholing ensured a cup and league double in this campaign.