Walthamstow scored the odd goal in five against Grays Athletic (Yellows) to become the 2024 Essex Andrews Under 14s Cup champions.

Grays saw an early lead in the game with a goal from Oscar Zych. After an equaliser from Walthamstow’s Jasper Berg, Athletic pushed themselves further to secure their second goal before half time. But two further strikes from Walthamstow saw them claim the win.

The game started well for Grays, a skilful goal from Zych in the 9th minute giving them the lead after he managed to progress past four defenders and dribble the ball around the goalkeeper. Another attempt arrived just three minutes later for Zych, but a goal line block from David Agavriloaei denied him his second.

A fantastic goal from the penalty spot by Berg of Walthamstow in the 22nd minute brought the game level once again, but Grays remained a threat as Zych registered another attempt at a goal, missing narrowly and finding the side netting instead. As half time approached, however, Athletic’s Williamson made sure their efforts were not in vain. He managed a thumping header from Zych’s right-wing corner, earning his team a 2-1 lead at the interval.

Both teams came back fighting after the break, but it was Stefan Paun of Walthamstow who equalised in the in 38th minute with a fantastic goal into the left-hand side of the goal. The game remained equal for some time but, in the 57th minute, Walthamstow were able to edge in front for the first time. A reverse pass from Stefan Paun released Berg, and his right-sided delivery was fired into the turf by Dino Obiefule, bouncing up into the net.

Grays were almost able find a leveller in stoppage time as Stewart met a Zych cross, but his close-range header finished narrowly over, meaning Walthamstow claimed a 3-2 victory.

Grays Athletic (Yellows): Billy Whitlock, Rowan Cayless, Archie Burgess, Cinoso Ibeh, Zane Green, Alfie Vajushi, Ollie Seaman, Michael Obeng, Oskar Zych, Bryan Montoya, Sonny Stewart, Franklyn Bowyer, Gameli Hoedoafia, Sebastian Heno-Lopez, Louis Williamson, Christopher Okolonji, Melvin Ikwueto, Jack Jaynes. Manager: Paul Seaman.

Walthamstow: Lewis Courtnage, Andrei Paun, Anoush Milligan, Jenson Cook, David Agavriloaei, Dino Obiefule, Jack Sullivan, Jasper Berg, Dylan O’Neil, Rafi Sean, Stefan Paun, Frankie Corroll, Hubert Zalucki, Aaron Coppola, Dijani Barnor, Nick Sutherland, Beau Luton. Manager: John Sullivan.

Referee: Stephen Hull (Chelmsford).

Assistant Referees: Reuben Blanc (Havering) and Isaac Islam (Chelmsford).

Fourth Official: Justin Wiseman (Brentwood).

Attendance: 214.