Blackhurst Budd take their treble chance
League champions Budd, who also won the Berry’s Beds Premier Division Cup the previous weekend, were convincing 4-0 winners in the Alliance’s annual showpiece at Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road.
The final was fittingly contested between the league’s top two, as the early exchanges brought few chances.
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Hide AdAsh Robinson had a shot blocked for Additions and Danny Morris fired wide at the other end.
Additions keeper Kyle Morris pulled off a stunning save to keep his team on terms but Blackhurst broke the deadlock six minutes before the interval.
Michael Clark’s free-kick was headed in with a flicked header by Nick Greenall.
The champions dominated possession in the second half and doubled their lead when Tarren Moxon curled a shot home from 25 yards.
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Hide AdLiam Frend smashed an effort against the bar and Moxon went close again before Budd made it 3-0 on 73 minutes.
Ben Seear released Frend, who did remarkably well to keep the ball in play and drill a shot home from a tight angle.
Robinson thought he had pulled one back but was denied by an offside flage.
Budd then iced their cake with a fourth goal from the last kick of the game, Will Watt curling an effort into the top corner.
Duncan Bennett was named sponsors’ man of the match.
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Hide AdBlackhurst manager Andy Speight was delighted, even if he felt the final score flattered his side a little.
He told The Gazette: “It was a great season and a tremendous effort from everyone. I loved every minute.
“We know what to expect from Additions. They are always up for it against us and they always give us a tight game. The first half was very tight and to nick a goal just before half-time was a killer blow.
“We tried to keep the ball better in the second half and make them run around more, but it took two late goals to seal it.”
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Hide AdAnd Speight has already set his target for next year. He added: “We want to defend those three trophies and add the county cup too.
“Our only defeat all season was in the semi-final of Lancashire FA Cup, so we want to win all four next year.”