GFSN Cup Final: Bournemouth 0-1 Hotscots
On a sunny day in Woking, Hotscots FC defeated GFC Bournemouth 1-0 to win the GFSN Cup.
A goal from Craig P mid-way through the first half settled the game - a deflected shot from 20 yards that skidded into the far bottom corner.
Both sides enjoyed spells of possession throughout the match, but rarely was each keeper tested - a testiment to the defending of each team.
The first opportunity broke to Bournemouth, working down the right flank well before a dangerous ball was whipped into the box. Amidst the confusion, the ball was cleared but it signalled the intent of a Bournemouth side resurgent this season.
Hotscots were more than holding their own, and as the first half wore on they creeped back into the match with a series of corners, putting the GFCB defence under pressure.
Clear-cut chances remained few and far between, that is until the 34th minute.
Seemingly out of nothing, Craig P struck a low shot from just outside the area. The ball seemed to take a slight deflection en-route to the bottom right hand corner, with the Bournemouth goalkeeper unable to stretch far enough to prevent the opening goal.
The goal sprang the Scots into life, with the remainder of the half played in the Bournemouth half.
A number of corners and half-chances fell to the Edinburgh side, but the first 45 finished 1-0.
The second half was a scrappy affair; Hotscots were evidently nervous protecting their slender lead and Bournemouth were committing players forward on the counter-attack.
Bournemouth brought on Jon F upfront, and almost immediately he created an opportunity, but couldn’t get a shot away to goal - suffocated by the admiral Hotscots defence.
Stew F, later named man-of-the-match, played extremely well in picking up loose balls in midfield and creating attacking situations - but the south coast side had the better of the play in the second period.
Bournemouth played some good passing on the left wing, but ultimately the strong Hotscots defence dealt comfortably with any danger. Colin S, as throughout the season, was a rock at the heart of the Hotscots defence.
And so, as the minutes ebbed away, Bournemouth attempted to besiege the Scots goal but it wasn’t enough - a lack of creativity in the final third meant the Scots keeper wasn’t tested.
At the final whistle, the Hotscots players and fans celebrated their victory with pride. All credit to Bournemouth, who played well in a good spirited match between the two sides.
The day was a huge success for the two sides, and the GFSN League as a whole. Thanks must go to Gavin, Andy, Matt & Russ for officiating on the day, and Andy Turner of London Titans & Woking FC matchday announcer.
And so, another season draws to a close with new winners in both the league and cup, new applications from teams wishing to join the league, and teams continuing to travel up and down the country to play football, make new friends, and enjoy themselves. LGB-friendly football has never been healthier.