Basingstoke Athletic 0 Herriard Sports 2.

It was the underdogs Herriard Sports who triumphed in the Final of the Basingstoke B cup, beating the red hot favorites Basingstoke Athletic 2-0.
It was at the Winklebury Football Complex .on Saturday evening, in front of a boisterous crown of 180 that Athletic with the wind advantage, pressed strongly in the first half. They really should have taken the lead after just three minutes when Matt Button hit a good chance wide and in the 6th Dave Trevellion saw his on target shot blocked as Herriard packed their penalty area to sustain the attacks.. Tobie Hyde, one of the four ex New Inn players in the Athletic lineup, was operating in midfield and he also had a very good shot stopped by Neil Minton and with his partner at the back Jake Burrows, plus the hard tackling Chris Smith, played a big part in holding the front two Ryan Evans and Dale Bristow.
Herriard had their moments with Sam Weber looking dangerous and his cross in the 30 the minute was met by Craig Lewington, but his fine volley went inches over the bar.
The beat chance of the half fell to Matt Button in the 41st minute when he went on a dazzling run, past three men, cut into the middle and with the goal at his mercy fired over the bar.
Although Ryan Evans failed in a one on one with keeper John Hamill early in the second half, it was Herriard who began to get a grip on the game and in the 57th minute they took the lead. It was the dangerous Sam Weber who was to score after breaking clear from the half way line he coolly stroked the ball past the advancing keeper Sean Martin.
It was now Herriard who were winning most of the ball and only a fine save from Martin stopped Carl Buttle scoring a second but it did come in the 70th minute. Weber again the scorer after good play by Martin Miles and a perfect low pass from the right to give the Man Of the Match Weber his second and the cup going to Herriard for the first time in their 78 year history in the league.
The cup and awards were presented by Melvyn Higgins, the Hon Treasurer of the League.