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Tuesday 6 May 2014

Cockfosters Claim Cup After Extra Half Hour - Cockfosters vs. Stotfold (At Harefield United)

Pitch invasion
As the regular season is now pretty much over, it is now cup final and play off season. My first final of this season was The Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy final between Cockfosters and Stotfold, both of The Premier Division. This was Cockfosters' first season back in The Premier Division after being demoted on ground grading issues four seasons ago. They had done well in their first season back, finishing in mid table, as did their opponents Stotfold. Stotfold were having a better season in cup competitions and this was the first of three cup finals for The Roker Park side. Stotfold had won both of the league meetings this season and were hoping for a third.

Kick off at Preston Park
Cockfosters have a couple of early headed chances but neither effort troubles the Stotfold keeper. Stotfold then try to grant Cockfosters a headed goal as the centre back flashes a header from a free kick across his own goal. It is Stotfold though who force the first real save of the game when the Cockfosters keeper tips the ball over the bar following a fierce drive from the edge of the area. Both sides are getting in to decent positions but neither can find the killer pass. The game has a very tense feel to it and Cockfosters fire a tame long range effort straight at the Stotfold goalie. Stotfold then hit the post with a back post header from a fantastically delivered free kick. The game begins to open up just before half time and the Stotfold defender makes a great last ditch tackle. Stotfold come close with another header and Cockfosters then hit the post with a driven effort as the first half ends goalless.   

The Cockfosters keeper tipping over a first half Stotfold effort
Cockfosters are granted a brilliant chance to take the lead early in the second half as the forward is brought down by a clumsy challenge and the penalty is buried in to the top corner. Stotfold push on for the equaliser and an effort is deflected just wide of the target. The Cockfosters keeper has to make another good save as he tips over a looping header from a corner. Stotfold are relentless in their pursuit of the equaliser and the goalie has to make a good low save from a header. Cockfosters have a great chance to kill the game but the forward somehow hits the post from just a yard out and the follow up is then cleared off the line. Stotfold do eventually claim a deserved equaliser when another set piece in to the box is finally headed past the stranded keeper. Cockfosters now seize the initiative as they look to regain the lead and a driven cross somehow evades everyone. There are no more goals and the game moves in to extra time. 

Side on view of one of the stands
The first half of extra time starts at a frantic pace and both sides create half chances. The Cockfosters winger then cuts in and unleashes a great effort which produces an equally impressive save. Cockfosters then think they are in on goal following a precise through ball but the keeper makes a brave claim at the feet of the forwards. The keeper though is left powerless shortly afterwards as a low cross is slotted home from close range to restore Cockfosters' advantage. Understandably at the start of the second period of extra time both teams are beginning to look a little tired. Cockfosters create another chance to seal the tie but the ball is put well over the bar. Stotfold win a free kick on the edge of the area in the final minute of extra time and the Cockfosters keeper produces another great save with his feet to preserve his sides lead and they see out the rest of the game to claim the cup.

Stotfold on the attack in the first half
As with Hadleigh, there is no station in Harefield. You have to get a bus from outside Northwood Station on The Metropolitan Line. Trains to Northwood take around half an hour from Baker Street. There are a couple of buses an hour and the journey takes just under quarter of an hour. There is a stop five minutes from the entrance to the clubhouse. Harefield has a very rural feel to it and the bus had to slow down several times for horses. A short walk from the bus stop is The Harefield and pretty much opposite it is The Kings Arms both were decent countryside locals. The clubhouse had a good selections of drinks, Sky Sports and even a beer garden.

Standard cup final programme
The main stand

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