Josh Osude’s hat-trick, including a 90th-minute winner from the edge of the penalty area, helped Witham Town claim their first Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup silverware since 2013 as they emerged victorious from a seven-goal thriller against Chelmsford City.

Osude put Town in front in just the 3rd minute at Spa Road and Charlie Ruff equalised for the Clarets on 24 minutes, the two trading goals again before the interval as the sides went into half time level at 2-2. Within a minute of the break, Chelmsford’s Ruaridh Donaldson put his side in front for the first time but Anton Matthews restored parity with just six minutes left and Osude finished the job with a fantastic individual strike in the final minute.

The Tolleshunt D’Arcy Memorial Cup has a long and fascinating history, with the first final being played during the 1933/34 campaign when Tollesbury defeated Great Totham. The competition raises money for the Essex County FA’s Benevolent Fund, a charity with the purpose of helping players who find themselves in financial hardship due to football-related injuries.

During the course of the Essex County FA 2021-24 #MovingForward Strategy, the fund made 15 awards, totalling £11,600. D’Arcy Cup matches generate money towards the fund, and it was pleasing to see ten entries made into the 2023/24 competition. The following clubs, including the two finalists, accepted the Essex County FA’s invitation: Burnham Ramblers, Coggeshall Town, FC Clacton, Heybridge Swifts, Saffron Walden Town, Stansted, Stanway Rovers and Takeley.

Osude’s first goal arrived with 3 minutes on the clock as he broke free of the Chelmsford back line, dribbled around goalkeeper Ted Collins and tapped into an empty net. But the Clarets equalised in the 24th minute, Ruff lobbing the out-rushing 'keeper, Harry Fairs, and the ball rolled slowly into the bottom right-hand corner.

Witham had an instant reply within two minutes. City made hard work of clearing a corner and Osude swept home for his second. Though, when a 40th-minute loose ball broke to Ruff again in front of goal, he rifled home from ten yards to ensure the sides were deadlocked at half time. Just the other side of the break, a centre from Chelmsford’s Callum Watts was converted by Donaldson from close range, and the Clarets maintained that advantage until late in the game.

Town thought they may have forced a penalty shootout when Matthews got on the end of a swerving dead ball delivery to level with six minutes left. But they went one better and clinched the trophy from under Chelmsford’s noses in the last minute, Osude dribbling to the edge of the box and finding the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick.

Witham Town: Harry Fairs, Luke Ige, Joseph Alatise, Rowan Dorling, Anton Matthews, Archie McFadden, Josh Osude, Liam Whipps (C), Andrew Sesay, Callum Fitzer, Deese Kasinga-Madia. Substitutes: Freddie King, Kamani McFarlane, Rico Adelaja, Golden Igbineweka, Isaac Skubich. Manager: Garry Kimble.

Chelmsford City: Ted Collins, Brad Williams, Geoffrey Okonkwo, Jake Hyde, Ruaridh Donaldson, Ryan Blackman, Kane Critchlow, Arthur Penney, Charlie Ruff (C), Freddie Hockey, Trialist. Substitutes: Callum Watts, Kalvin Kalala, Lester Ward, Jacob Bland, Archie Tamplin. Manager: Robbie Simpson.

Referee: Craig Charles (Harlow).

Assistant Referees: Steve Tovey (Colchester) and George Lowe (Colchester).