Tunbridge Wells Charity Cup (Int) Champions 2010-11


Tunbridge Wells Charity Cup (Intermediate) Winners 2010-11

Swan (Edenbridge)  0    Platt Utd Res 4

Platt United Reserves made the trip to Culverden for the second season running in the hope that they could end the club's 12 year drought of silverware.

The evening sunshine almost a carbon copy of the previous setting for painful 3-2 defeat against High Brooms Casual 12 months ago (after extra time) and whom Platt dispatched confidently 6-0 in the semi final to go some of the way to put things right.

Swan (Edenbridge) FC would be a different challenge being a far younger and less physical side than High Brooms. Indeed, as the teams came out, an air of nerves surrounded the opposition and Platt seemed more relaxed and focused having experienced it all before.

After a few early exchanges, Platt began to stamp their authority on the match and the early goal they needed to settle any nerves came from the pace of Sean Elkington. A ball over the top caused the Swan defender and keeper to mix up, neither taking responsibility and Elkington nipped in to rob the ball and calmly slot home.

Swan had few genuine chances with stout defending from Player of The Year Chris Patey, Reiss Vincent, James Church and Will Green all in fine form.

One became two before half time, a headed goal this time from Ash Russell, neatly tucked away giving the Swan keeper no chance.

Shortly before half time the flood lights came on and Platt went in after a strong half, but with it all to do again during the second, as complacency would be their only downfall.

Swan started the second half more positively and it looked for a short period if Platt's dominance may be threatened but quality defending kept the strikers at bay. In the midfield Paul Webb with Harry Mercer stamped their authority and were stronger than their opposite numbers, while Brett Wheeler and Simon Horler looked dangerous on the wings - Ash Russell being the overall play maker.

Shrewd substitutions were made by Glenn Broad and Bill Green on the line to introduce fresh legs, Josh Howell Williams, Dave Bayes and Dan Hart all featuring to experience this special evening for Platt.

The third arrived midway into the half, Ash Russell latched onto a awkward ball for the Swan keeper to deal with and after letting the ball bounce Russell was the braver, getting there first with a precise lob from the right hand edge of the box.

Russell completed his hattrick with another headed effort and made the game safe shortly before the referee blew his whistle to send the deserving Platt players into a champagne frenzy.

Paul Webb lifted the impressive trophy aloft and even after the floodlights were harshly turned off by Tunbridge wells FC during the celebrations, spirits remained high with just the flashing of cameras to light up the pitch.

After a long season, during which Platt Reserves deserved more than a place so low in the league after many narrow defeats and draws - got their rewards with victory in this cup final.

Platt Utd lifting Tunbridge Wells Charity Cup