11/05/2025
Final of Dale Stratford Trophy
Orlingbury Dons 1-2 Upton Fc
Friday night finally saw Upton Football Club get their hands on a cup. In our 4 year existence we have finished top of the championship twice, beaten finalists in the prem plate as well as 2 defeats in championship cup semi finals.
Achievements that are made more impressive by the turnover of players for different reasons each time we finish a championship season.
In the semi final we took a while to find any fluency, this time round we started a little better.
We took the lead when Cian burst past the full back and ran through into a 50/50 with the keeper which rebounded off of him and into the net. This sparked Dons into life and to their credit they took the game to us. After hitting the woodwork twice and forcing Ollie into some great saves, they were finally rewarded when the forward was slipped through and poked the ball past the keeper and in. We created one more chance to lead at the break when Joel was played in from the angle but the Don's keeper spread himself well and saved. HT 1-1.
Few choice words at HT about how much space was being given away and we started the second half much better.
Not much in terms of clear chances at either end until the last 20 mins.
As Joel tried to get a cross into the box, Sasha was thrown to the floor in the box. Ref points to the spot. A great spot from the ref, unfortunately no one saw the keeper 3 yds off his line as Jake has his penalty saved. Great save buy with a long and ref looking at it would expect it spotted. Lads could have put their heads down and felt it wasn't to be but responded to it superbly. After changing some tired legs, it was a throw into the box which was allowed to bounce before Ahmed (loves scoring at Sileby) swivelled and put it in the far corner.
Joyous scenes at the final whistle marred by a few handbags but at last a victory to cherish. Dale was a teammate of the Upton manager for many years so to have our name on his Trophy means the world.
Fantastic effort by the lads especially the ground covered by the midfield 3, with Bien claiming Motm Trophy, Dante running himself into the ground and Sasha playing 90 mins despite then going to hospital with food poisoning.
Orlingbury Dons are a superb team who I am sure will win plenty of trophies in the future (especially when going into opposition changing rooms and taking photos of tactics boards 🧐).
Next up is a trip to Pattishall to face Sixfields Rangers FC in the plate semi final on weds night.
Nene Sunday League
