CHARITY CUP FINAL 2008 

CHAPEL UNITED  3 - 0  TAG UNITED
Warner 60                                                    
Raymond 71
Walder  85

This was our first final back at Southend United's Roots Hall Stadium for four years, and what a great game it turned out to be. The LMC are very grateful to Steve Tilson, Dave Jobson & Brian Dear for putt ing it all together fore us, and of course the other ground staff there on the day. I must say I was impressed with the turnout considering it was a very wet morning and none too warm. I have been to Ryman League games with lesser attendances than this so 179 spectators for a veterans game is proof that the interest is still there. It was also pleasing to see Steve Tilson taking part considering only a few hours before he had been involved with The Blues' play-off defeat up at Doncaster Rovers.

As ever the playing surface at Roots Hall was superb and when you consider it has been played on in excess of 50 times this season is a credit to the ground staff.  Given the quality of both sides and the playing surface we could only hope for an equally good game and that is exactly what we got. Both sides played some very entertaining stuff and the slick passes ensured that it was played at a good tempo throughout.  After a goalless first half things got more tense in the second.

Defenders had to be at their best and in particular the Tag United keeper Jim Batt made a string of fine saves to stop Chapel going ahead. However, Steve Warner finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark when he scored and put Chapel United ahead. Tag tried hard to force an equaliser and did go close on one occasion. They were caught out by a Ronnie Raymond heard just 11 minutes later and it was always going to be difficult for Ray Bennets men for thereon in.  The game was wrapped up by a superb strike for John Walder in the 85th minute. 

Its an old clique but it takes two teams to make a game and these two sides put on a show of how they game should be played. Yes - it was competitive. yes it boiled over a couple of times but that's just the rivalry between these two sides. That rivalry is matched by their friendship and they all enjoyed a drink together after the game. The only mar on the game was Georgia Young getting his marching orders for dissent which was a shame.

I was delighted that our former Chairman - Jeff Benson was able to make the trip down from Witham to make the presentations. Geoff did a lot of work for this league and its often all too easy to forget what goes into running such a great league as ours, and Geoff is up amongst the best administrators we have had.

If I was asked to sum up the morning I would say this - It was great to be back at Roots Hall again and I really hope we are back again next season. Both sides put on a game that was fit to grace any stadium and they were both a real credit to this league. I thought the four match officials did a fantastic job to keep the game flowing and should be applauded. I should also say thank you to the supporters for turning out on such a cold & damp morning.

Tony H.

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