Bedford Chairman's Cup Final

Callington Town 1

St Stephens Borough 1

(after extra-time) St Stephens won 7-6 on penalties

St Stephens Borough were deservedly victorious in the Bedford Chairman's Cup at Launceston, with the Duchy League Division Four (East) side proving more than a match for their Premier Division opponents.

This turned the tables on Callington's Division Four (East) side, who had gained a somewhat pyrrhic victory over Borough just three days earlier in a meaningless league match, Borough's minds clearly looking towards the important cup campaign. Despite the fact that this was Borough's third game in four days - they had won through to the final with an emphatic 4-1 over Southgate in the semi-final just two days earlier - such was the determination and will-to-win shown by their players that they showed no hint of tiredness.

The first half was an even affair with the commitment which Borough showed frustrating their more illustrious opposition. However, it was Callington who took a first half lead after they capitalised on an under-hit back-pass. The vibe which the Callington players gave as they left the pitch at the break was one of confidence, perhaps believing that the game was won and that second 45 minutes were merely a formality.

However, they had failed to take account of the team spirit in the Borough camp and St Stephen performed the better of the two sides in the second half. As it was, they could only grab one goal, but that was enough to take the game in a 30 minute golden goal period, the breakthrough coming after a powerful header from centre-half Dave Rowse following a corner. They also seemed to have a case for a penalty after Jason Gregory was fouled in the area, but the referee simply waved away their appeals.

Borough had the best of the chances during the golden goal period, with both Lee Stapleton and Jason Gregory going close. However, the 30 minutes elapsed without the necessary goal, and so the match progressed into penalties.

Each side netted three after the first five penalties, and so sudden death loomed large. Both teams scored their first three sudden death attempts before Borough 'keeper Simon Robbins pulled off a superb save from the fourth Callington penalty taker. This left Dave Rowse, the scorer of Borough's second half equaliser, with the opportunity to win the game for the Saltash-based side. The experienced defender made no mistake from the spot to spark wild, and deserved, Borough celebrations.

To cap an excellent evening for Rowse, he also picked up the award for Man of the Match. Karl Meikon, skipper on the night, collected the cup from Jim Wakem to start a Borough party that continued long into the night. After a long season, this trophy was a just reward for the efforts put in by all the players and is nothing more than they deserved.