Manager Kevin Hill was delighted with his team’s performance as they scored six to win the Essex Veterans Trophy.

The opening 15 minutes of the game were fairly even, with no major chances for either team and an even share of possession between the two sides. In the 17th minute, Harold Hill opened the scoring, with Leli Bajada twisting and turning in the box before firing in at the near post.

Shortly after in the 20th minute, Harold Hill doubled their lead. Marsden calmy slotted home after the ball had been rolled across the box. Harold Hill strengthened their grip on the trophy and made it three, with good work from Bajeda who ran through and passed to Marsden, who secured his brace as he curled one into the top left-hand corner.

In the 36th minute it was four, as a Herongate played inadvertently directed a Harold Hill corner into his own net. Herongate did try to get a foot back in the game, with Nunn having a shot from the edge of the box saved. From that save, Harold Hill countered and made it five. Bajada scored his second of the game, curling a shot into the bottom left corner from outside the box.

In the second half, Harold Hill scored their sixth, as Hoy poked home the rebound after a brilliant stop from Herongate ‘keeper Carlton. In the 68th minute, Herongate had another chance as the ball fell to Gibbs just outside the area, but his shot went over the bar. Shortly after however, Herongate did get their goal. Gipp coolly converted from the penalty spot well into the bottom left corner, with the game finishing 6-1.

Harold Hill Manager Kevin King was delighted with his teams first half performance and the win. “We started very well, had our big players out all playing well. It’s a big one to win the County Cup so very pleased.”

Harold Hill Squad: Mark Boxall, Darren Morley, Kevin Stewart, Michael Black, Kevin Marsden, Peter Ward, Lee Barr, Casca Hoy, Basil Baginald, Leli Bajada, Danny Happe, David Jolley, Jerry Canty, Tony Mason, Brian Kingston, Paul Welsh

Herongate Athletic Squad: Tony Carlton, Neil Keaveney, Thomas Hegarty, Chris Nunn, Gary Ewers, Paul Martin, David Gipp, Brian Steers, John Milford-Cottam, Darren Gibbs, David Smith, Fraser Higgs, Mark Brent, Alan Tait, Phil Lush, Sinclair Watson

Referee: Michael Allen

Assistant Referees: Justin Wiseman and Ian Nelson

Fourth Official: James Glasscock