AAC clinch Observer Cup in final thriller

The Division Two champions edged home 2-1 to win the second of this season's Hastings & East Sussex Sunday Football League finals.

The first half turned out to be a physical battle in which OJK goalkeeper Matthew Harrigan had to pull off three decent saves, before the deadlock was broken within a minute of the restart through Aaron Cochrane.

Substitute Ian Rise looked to have made certain of victory by heading a second two minutes from the end of normal time, only for the Division Three champions-elect, who were defending a 30-game unbeaten record, to pull one back just a minute later, courtesy of a fine finish by Matthew Cornelius.

AAC manager Darryl Shaw, assistant manager Les Wood and the entire club would like to say a big thank you to South Coast Roofing for sponsoring them over the course of a hugely successful campaign.

There were five matches played in the first round of the Secretaries' Shield at the weekend. Two goals from Ben Knight and an Alvin Turvey effort steered Oddfellows Arms to a 3-1 win over Collington who replied through Trevor Thorogood.

Danny Woodley hit a hat-trick as Silverhill Club ran out 5-1 winners against Ridge West Garage. James Carman and an own goal made up the Silverhill scoring, whilst Mark Collins netted a consolation for the Mechanics.

Wayne Jackson also smashed a treble for Comet in a 4-0 drubbing of Unilock, the other goal coming from Del Longley. Jake Hillier (3), Steve Forstch (2) and Jan Kucera scored as Seven Stars eased to a 6-0 success over Bo-Peep.

Saxons were also in clinical form, thumping Sporting Priory 5-0 thanks to goals from Stuart Cramp (2), Steve Davey, Steve Diette and Johnnie James.

The one and only league game saw Spartan Seniors win 6-0 against Porto in Division Three. On target were Michael Taylor (2), Chris Pickett (2), Steve Bridger and Mark Larkin.