Holbrook St. Michael’s Development triumphed in the DCFA Junior Cup South Final on Monday night as they beat Hilton Harriers Reserves by two goals to one.

114 were in attendance at Long Eaton and they were certainly treated to a feisty affair with both teams battling it out in an end-to-end encounter.

Holbrook Started the stronger side with long balls really stretching the Hilton defence, but the crowd was shocked in the eight minute when Hilton’s Chris Smith dribbled over 20 yards, beating two defenders on the way and slotting it home despite his team starting slowly.

However Holbrook didn’t let their heads drop, and it took them just 60 seconds to find an equaliser – a corner was sent in from the left hand side, and following a game of head tennis, Ben Litchfield was able to power a header home from close range.

With not even 10 minutes played and the score at one apiece, there was a hint of a goal fest in the air, but that soon fizzled out, and following a long-running midfield battle, the first half came to a close.

After the break and the half-time oranges, Holbrook came out of the traps reminiscent of Tiger Roll in Saturday’s Grand National – Steve Levy broke free down the right hand side and finished off a pinpoint cross by smashing the ball into the roof of the net from the six yard line.

Unfortunately Hilton were unable to get a hold in the game, with Holbrook consistently mounting pressure – they managed to muster a handful of chances, but a strong defensive performance from Holbrook kept them arm’s length.

Holbrook were happy to soak up pressure, and Hilton were unable to create any major chances.

The final whistle was blown by the referee, and it was Holbrook St. Michael’s Development who ended the day as the 2019 DCFA Junior Cup South Champions.