Russell-Cotes Cup Final: Lymington suffer narrow loss to Sholing

Russell-Cotes Cup final

Sholing FC 1Lymington Town FC 0

LYMINGTON Town conceded their first goal in more than a month in a 1-0 loss to Sholing FC in the Russell-Cotes Cup final at The Universal Stadium last night (Tuesday).

Town came into the match in tremendous form after winning all seven of their previous league fixtures. However, Sholing, who play a league above, were looking to retain the cup they won last year.

Manager Dave Lewis started the match without the influential Craig McAllister and Stanley, with last season’s top scorer Sam House and Luke Churchill warming the bench – the decision perhaps with one eye on the south coast side’s top-of-the-table clash with Fareham Town.

In the opening 10 minutes, Sholing earned a couple of early corners and a dangerous-looking free-kick which amounted to nothing. After the initial barrage, Lymington began to show their pedigree.

Lymington’s impressive run of clean sheets came to an end in the 43rd minute when Dan Mason got on the end of a corner before diverting the ball just inside the left post.

Luke Churchill came on for the injured Steve Flynn, and midway through the second period House came off the bench. The personnel changes saw Lymington fashion chances, with Dom Falco and Owen Fee, who was awarded the player of the match, both going close.

Lymington keeper Ross Casey made two impressive saves before a bit of luck saw the ball trickle narrowly passed the right post, with Casey well-beaten.

With the announcement of four minutes of injury time, Lymington threw caution to the wind and piled men forward, but Sholing held on to lift the cup.

Hordle referee Gary Parsons, who officiated his first match since being diagnosed with cancer, was also singled out for praise for the way he allowed the game to flow.

Nearly 250 spectators attended the match.

Lymington: R. Casey, R. Fuller, R. Drake, T. Carkett, T. Stephenson, N. Hurst, O. Fee, R. Nicholls, D. Falco, S. Flynn, C. Churchill. Subs: S. House, L. Churchill, T. Man, N. Pierce.