Goal avalanche as Twyford take their third trophy

Twyford 8, AGCC Worthy Down 1

TWYFORD completed their quest for an unprecedented domestic treble with this thumping demolition of Worthy Down at Chilcomb last Saturday.

After winning the Hampshire Junior B Cup last month and securing the Winchester & District Saturday League title, Twyford surprisingly started the game in an apprehensive mood. A defensive error allowed Worthy Down to take an early lead with a shot from David Gough from fully 20 yards past the outstretched foot of keeper Mark Bruce.

But going a goal down rejuvenated Twyford and a change in formation paid immediate dividends. The ball dropped to Gareth Compton 25 yards out and he superbly half volleyed it into the top corner to level the scores.

Twyford were then awarded a disputed penalty when Sam Austin was bundled over. Sacha Nicholas stepped up and handled the pressure well by sending the keeper the wrong way to put his team ahead at 2-1.

Twyford quickly added a third after Austin broke free to convert and their opponents were then reduced to ten men when a player was sent off for a second boookable offence.

A counter attack led to their fourth goal with Austin again breaking down the left and crossing superbly for striker partner Mark Hopwood to score.

The second half saw Worthy Down start the brighter side as they tried to get back into the match and they had several attempts on goal. But the introduction of Paul Bickerton helped Twyford keep possession and Austin scored his second with a low drive into the bottom right hand corner to make it 5-1. Hopwood then added his second (and 30th of the season) before man of the match Austin completed his hat trick.

Bickerton then went close with a thumping volley from 25 yards before Twyford were awarded a second penalty which was converted with power by skipper, Sean Healey.

It was a fitting way to finish the most successful season in the club's history.

The winning Twyford team was: Mark Bruce; Sacha Nicholas (Richard Bampton); Darren Parker; Sean Healey; Charlie Parker; Tom Sherwin (Steven Chapman); Kieran Campbell (Paul Bickerton); Sam Austin; Mark Hopwood; Gareth Compton; Barry Rice.

The two teams met again in a league match on Tuesday night and Twyford again came on top, winning 5-4.