EP win John O’Hara Cup

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John O'Hara Cup final at Shoreham on Monday East Preston v Crowborough action from the game SUS-140505-151237002 — L18806H14 John O'Hara Cup final at Shoreham on Monday East Preston v Crowborough action from the game SUS-140505-151237002

Shelley’s solitary goal gave the County League Division 1 champions a 1-0 victory over Crowborough in the final at Middle Road.

The captain’s 57th-minute header from Darren Boswell’s corner was the difference between the two sides in front of a healthy crowd on bank holiday Monday.

There was very little between the two sides and chances were at a premium, especially in the second half when both teams had a man sent off.

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John O'Hara Cup final at Shoreham on Monday East Preston v Crowborough action from the game SUS-140505-151227002 — L18805H14 John O'Hara Cup final at Shoreham on Monday East Preston v Crowborough action from the game SUS-140505-151227002

Charlie Oatway had a couple of fierce drives early in the opening 45 minutes, while Crows’ best chance saw Chris Ransome latch onto a short Charlie Farmer back pass, but lob over Joel Harding and wide in the closing stages of the half.

In the second half, EP shut out their opponents with a number of fine performances.

After Shelley headed past Nick Collick in the 57th-minute, Crows’ cause was not helped by Paul Butler picking up a second yellow card for chopping down Shaheen Sadough as he raced down the touchline.

EP spurned a couple of chances to extend their lead after that, but also had Sadough sent off as he picked up a second booking late on.

Full report, reaction and pictures in Thursday’s paper.