Match Report

Thirds win Queen Mary Cup for the first time in our long history!

In a thrilling game at Holmesdale Sports and Social Club, the Third XI beat Premier Division Agenda 3-2 after extra time to win the Bromley and South London Football League's Queen Mary Cup, their main cup competition, which all teams in the league compete for. It is the first time Farnborough have ever won this trophy.

After a cagey start by both teams, Agenda found their feet first and went ahead after 25 minutes, a blistering shot giving Billy Cooper no chance. Buoyed by this they went on to dominate the rest of the half, but Farnborough's defence, led by skipper Matt French, stood firm and got through to half-time with no further damage done.

Shortly after the interval, Cooper made a terrific point-blank save and then Jack Randall and Lee Cordner gained control of the midfield for FOBG who equalised with twenty minutes to go, a floated free kick half-cleared to John "Tucks" James, who rifled home from 20 yards.

Chances followed at both ends and Agenda thought they had won it in the last minute, only for the assistant's flag to cut short their celebrations. 

Into extra time we went, then, and Alex Mason put the Guild ahead. Then came another turning point; Agenda's striker bearing down on Billy Cooper, but a terrific last-gasp tackle from Nathan Thornton saved the day, after a tense consultation between referee and assistant decided the tackle had been clean.

A third goal from Jack Randall looked to have settled the tie, but Agenda never gave up and pulled a goal back with five minutes to go.  This seemed like an eternity for Paul Eddleston's side but the referee's final whistle cued the celebrations

Well done to Paul and his squad, they thoroughly deserved to win the trophy, beating two Premier Division sides in the semi-finals and final.

Jez Allen's Fourth XI now have a tough act to follow when they take on Eltham Eagles in the Elizabeth Jaques Cup final on Wednesday, at the same venue.

Watch out for Colin Brazier's match photos on this website!