Hutton Old Boys won a record-equalling fourth Essex Saturday Veterans Cup as Glen Golby scored ten minutes from time to complete a 3-2 win over Paringdon.

They’d previously lifted the trophy in successive seasons in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and have now emulated Port of London Authority’s four Veterans Cup wins. A four-goal first half saw Paringdon take an early lead through Jimmy Cochrane, but Hutton hit back to lead thanks to goals from Greg Wiles and Golby before Paringdon levelled ahead of the break, David Robinson nodding home.

Hutton’s Player-Boss Michael Black has featured in each of his side’s four successes, but this was the first time he’s tasted success as Manager. “We got the fourth win… eventually!” said ex-Arsenal and Tranmere Rovers man Black.

“It was a scrappy first half for our standards, but we came good in the second half and I thought we deserved to win it in the end. Credit to the boys, as we all gave them a bit of a roasting at half time, but it was good to get the record.”

The game’s fast start wasn’t without defensive errors, but Michael is pleased with how his players responded: “There was a bit of nervousness in our camp first half. We normally like to play the ball nice and easy and a lot of lads were quite nervous.”

“I think that showed at the back. We’ve only got one tall centre half and they kept relying on him to win the balls, so he’s going to have free headers. But we capitalised on that and we got two good set-pieces as well.”

In the end, former Barking Manager Golby won the game for Michael’s team, and the commanding defender was instrumental throughout the evening, also giving his side the lead in the first half. “He’s made a big difference this year” said boss Michael of his winning goalscorer.

“He’s one of the ones who has come in this year, he’s brought in enthusiasm and more. He’s a bit younger at 35 or 36, he’s up with the game, he got stronger as the game went on and he took responsibility at the end.”

With the winner coming just ten minutes from time, it meant the final avoided extra time and, having enjoyed the better of the second half, Michael and his side were keen to avoid the additional period. He relayed: “Everyone has had to do a full day’s work, so we’re definitely pleased it didn’t go to extra time! We were getting strong, but we didn’t see where the goal was coming from.”

And Michael is already looking forward to going one better next time around, continuing: “I’d love to go for five wins next year now I know we’ve equalled the record. We base our season around this as this is our biggest prize, so we’ll definitely go for it next year.”

Harlow-based Paringdon took only 7 minutes to take the lead. A goalkeeping slip from James Hussey saw the ball wriggle free to Cochrane who capitalised by slotting into an empty net. It was then 1-1 with 23 minutes played as Michael Black’s free kick was headed in by Wiles.

Just four minutes later, Hutton led. Michael Black again provided the assist as his looped ball to the back post where it was nodded in by Golby from a tight angle. But, within minutes, the tie was all-square again. Ryan Williams’ dead ball was headed in by Paringdon’s Robinson at the far post.

Paringdon came close to edging back ahead when Jamie Horn’s header hit the foot of the left-hand post and then, on the stroke of half time, a set-piece was half-cleared and Paringdon’s Andrew Devine rifled a low shot just wide.

Early in the second period, Paringdon goalkeeper Daniel Bibby made a good save to keep out Michael Bolland’s close-range header and went on to make another good stop to keep out Bibby following Michael Black’s corner. The crucial winner arrived on 80 minutes as Golby drove forward and placed a fierce low drive inside the left-hand post from 25 yards.

Hutton Old Boys: James Hussey, Luke Pain, Jamie Wallace, Glen Golby, Erkan Yousef, Michael Bolland, Greg Wiles, Trevor Paul, Darren Morley, Troy Braham, Michael Black. Substitutes (repeated): Ray Coker, Paul Liner, Norman McPhee, Nicky Stagg, Tommy Black.

Paringdon: Daniel Bibby, Stefan Skzjewski, Nathan Bethell,  Warren Blackburn, Ryan Oliva, Mark Pearcy, Andrew Devine, Jimmy Cochrane,  Ryan Williams,  Jamie Horn, David Robinson. Substitutes (repeated): Paul Munn, Mark Kiff, Rob Garraty, Rob Munn, Raymond Barnett.

Referee: David Parker (Braintree).

Assistant Referees: Jonathan Wing (Basildon) and Andrew Gilham (Havering).

Fourth Official: Brian Taylor (Chelmsford).

Attendance: 63.