A MAGNIFICANT season for Alvis Sporting ended with the club winning the prestigious Midland League Les James Challenge Cup.
Damian Cassidy’s side became the first team to win the cup while going to whole league season unbeaten as they beat Smithswood Firs 4-3 after extra time at Bromsgrove Sporting last Wednesday.
Smithswood Firs deservedly took the lead after 14 minutes when Curtis Thomas converted a right wing cross and Alvis went further behind on 33 minutes after Adam Rooke netted from close range.
Alvis struck back after 40 minutes with David Moyo scoring following a superb run from midfield by Tommy Maguire but within two minutes Smithswood regained their two-goal advantage with a fine individual effort by Arron Anderson.
Cassidy’s side were more positive in the second half and following an infringement Maguire had a penalty well saved by Jake Woodward after 66 minutes.
With six minutes remaining a long free kick was latched on to by Shaun Brassington who netted from close range and three minutes later Moyo scored the equaliser just before the final whistle.
In extra time Maguire was fouled in the area and Dildale Linton netted from the spot and right before the end Linton was brought down inside the area but he shot over the bar from the resultant penalty.
Alvis boss said: “The Les James Cup is the most historic and valued of all the Midland League trophies, and I’m delighted the lads were able to finish this great game on a high note after such an exhausting run of fixtures to end the season.”
