Terrington St Clement triumph in Graver Cup final

Underdogs Terrington were the comeback kings as they defied all the odds to defeat higher-league Watlington in the Graver Cup final at Heacham.

The North West Norfolk League Division Two side came from two goals down at the break to stun Watlington with almost the last kick of the game.

Terrington were only reinstated into the competition three days before the game due to Heacham Reserves playing ineligible players in their semi-final the weekend before and very few people gave them a sniff coming into the showpiece.

The game started in frantic fashion, with both teams struggling to retain possession but with much of the play taking place in the Terrington half.

After 20 minutes Watlington’s Dan Harpley connected with a delightful cross into the box to head past Archie Bobbins in the Terrington goal.

Just minutes later Watlington had continued to pressure the Tigers goal by hitting the crossbar, just before Josh Ford capitalised on a loose ball to double Watlington’s advantage.

As the game approached half-time, and with Watlington in total control, the young Tom Dillon received his second yellow card for an off-the-ball incident to leave the Division One side defending their lead with 10 men in the second half.

Terrington started the second 45 minutes in determined fashion as Luke Reed found himself free inside the area but could only guide his header into the arms of James Dougal in the Watlington goal.

On the hour mark, some smart build up play presented Terrington’s Kodie Turvey an open goal only for him to smash the ball against the crossbar from 10 yards out, before drawing an excellent low save from Dougal just two minutes later.

As the Tigers continued to push for a way back into the game, Jordan Collison was presented with a free-kick opportunity and he slotted the ball past Dougal from 25 years out.

With five minutes remaining, the man-of-the-match in waiting latched onto a low cross to draw Terrington level with just minutes to play.

Watlington were clearly playing for penalties, after previously winning their last two, including the recent Division One League Cup final against KLSC FC.

However, a lack of communication between Dougal and captain Harry Morton, forced Dougal to bring down the Watlington striker and present Terrington with a chance to win the cup from the spot in the 91st minute.

That man, Kodie Turvey stepped up and confidentially slotted it past the keeper, only for referee Rob Bunting to call for a retake as Terrington players were encroaching into the 18-yard box.

Turvey stepped up once again and finished into the opposite corner to spark jubilant scenes within the Terrington camp.

Very few, including those from Terrington Tigers saw such a comeback on the cards and many congratulations to the Division Two outfit after taking the historic cup back down the A17.