In the first Derbyshire County Cup Final to take place in over three years, Brampton Victoria went home with the silverware after a 3-1 win against Long Eaton Magpies, crowning them Derbyshire Sunday Junior Cup Winners 2022/23, sponsored by Cawarden.

Matlock Town FC’s Proctor Cars Stadium was the host venue for the Sunday Junior Cup Final and after a week of miserable downpour across Derbyshire, Sunday saw the skies clear and the sun shine – the stage was set for a cup final.

Brampton Victoria excelled right from the off, after a longball from goalkeeper Dan Hartshorn found Oliver Dawson who advanced through on goal, knocked the ball around the keeper and slotted home to give the Vics a 1-0 lead after just three minutes.

Brampton’s relentless start didn’t stop there; With 12 minutes on the clock, Cam Hutton found space on the edge of the box and confidently chipped Jack Anderson in the Long Eaton Magpies goal to double their lead.

The Magpies were clearly shook by Brampton’s fast start and looked to work their way back into the game. A chance to half the deficit came after 28 minutes, when Joel Isaac was brought down in the box. Referee Tim Lewis pointed to the spot. The penalty kick was thundered home by Lynton Francis.

The teams went in at half-time with Brampton Victoria leading 2-1.

Just ten minutes into the second half, Brampton made a rod their own back when Kane Gregory received a second yellow card and got sent off. The ten men of Brampton had 35 minutes to defend their lead.

The following fifteen minutes saw Magpies put the pressure on. Their extra man meant they carved out some good opportunities, including an audacious overhead kick from Francis which needed saving.

Unbelievably however, it was Brampton who scored the next goal; A swift counter attack allowed Luke Manlove to break through on goal and score to renew the Vics’ two goal lead.

Brampton held on for the final 20 minutes despite Long Eaton giving it everything they’ve got. The full-time whistle blew, with the final score being Brampton Victoria 3-1 Long Eaton Magpies. Brampton Victoria are 2022/23 Derbyshire Sunday Junior Cup Winners, sponsored by Cawarden.