BASIMNGSTOKE 'A' CUP FINAL

Basingstoke Royals 0 Hook 2.
It was another upset in the Final of the Basingstoke A Cup, played at Winklebury on Saturday evening when Hook defeated Royals, who are unbeaten in the league and were expected to win the cup for the first time.
The two goals came in the opening nine minutes of the game and Royals, despite playing perhaps the better football, but never really got to grips with the Hook defence and their tough tackling midfielders and Humphrey Sims side fully deserved to take the cup for the seventh time in their long history in the League.
With just two minutes gone a free kick from Dave White caused havoc in the six yard box, it fell to Aaron King, and his close range shot was half saved by Richard Mundy and came out for Andy Haig to shoot into the net from close in.
Royals were further shaken when in the ninth a fine in- swinging corner kick from the left taken by James Westwood was flicked on by Pete Silvester and Jon Noakes was quick to side foot home.
Royals then began to play the ball around well, but the Hook midfield, well marshaled by their captain Westwood, restricted them to few efforts on target. Nick Willcock did force a good take by Greg Archer and Stephen Horton fired a 20 yard effort wide.
Royals almost scored in the 52n minute when a cross from Willcock was mis-headed by Phil Haig and Archer averted an own goal with a tip over the bar.
It was in the 63rd minute when Royals had their best chance in the game. Substitute Steve Stansbridge, who had replaced Tom Smith, forced a very good save from Archer; the ball flew out to Royals skipper Stuart Urquhart who shot badly wide. They also had a chance when Archer handled a back pass, but the indirect free kick by Steven Price was blocked by the wall.
Peter Pike went close from a free kick for Hook, but Royals were again to have great chance to pull the game their way when in the 72nd Willcock broke through and only a fine save from Archer prevented him getting Royals back in the game.
After this Hook saw the game out
Referee Colin Dyer issued six yellow cards, including second in the 5th minute of added time with Stephen Horton being sent off.
The cup and awards were presented by John Edwards, Vice President of the League, including the Man of the Match Trophy, won by James Westwood.