Watlington lift League Cup by beating King's Lynn Soccer Club

Penalties were the decider as the top two teams in the North West Norfolk League faced off for the Division One League Cup title on Friday evening.

Watlington prevailed from the spot as the two title protagonists slugged it out in front of an impressive crowd of 359 at Fakenham Town Football Club.

Both teams spent the first 45 minutes trying to maintain possession and determine how they could break down an excellent defensive performance from both back lines.

This meant that chances were hard to come by, but the quality of free-flowing football was maintained throughout.

As the second half began it was clear that both teams wanted to start on the front foot.

Five minutes into the second period, it was Watlington who created the clearest chance of a tight encounter as they narrowly headed wide from a corner.

Shortly after, it was James Dougal in the Watlington goal who went full stretch to claw away a King's Lynn Soccer Club header which was en route to the top corner.

With five minutes left on the clock, Watlington created arguably their smoothest passage of the game and it was only a Callum South last-ditch tackle which kept the Watlington strikers out.

As the full-time whistle blew, it was penalties which were required to split the two sides.

Both teams confidently scored their first four spot kicks, when Dougal saved from King's Lynn Soccer Club to present Matthew Bussens the chance to take the cup down the A10.

Bussens stepped up and confidentially dispatched his penalty to spark electric celebrations from Watlington players and fans alike.

It wasn't all doom and gloom for King's Lynn Soccer Club, who pipped Watlington to the Division One title this week.

A 20 per cent donation of all gate admission from the 2021/22 league cup finals will be donated to the 8:56 Foundation and the NWNFL are proud to announce this total figure as £642.76.

Many thanks to Fakenham Town FC and everyone who supported this year’s finals.