Third triumph in four years for cup holders

10:32am Tuesday 15th April 2008

R and B Sports 3, Twynham Rangers 2.

HOLDERS R and B Sports won their second trophy of the season as they retained the Hampshire A Cup on Saturday.

The team put in a good display to secure a 3-2 win over Bournemouth side Twynham Rangers at Anstey Park, Alton.

It was their third triumph in four years and they did well to play some decent football on a poor playing surface and strong swirling winds.

The Basingstoke league champions took the lead on 17 minutes after a good move down the right flank.

Phil Pike played the ball down the line to Simon Neller, who cut in and played a perfect pass across the six-yard box for Matt Button to put away.

Twynham drew level on 28 minutes, when Rob Fox's corner on the right found Gareth Brickhill unmarked four yards out and he side-footed into the net.

Chances fell to both teams. Then, two minutes from half-time, R and B regained their lead.

Button flicked a ball over the top for Alan Mitchell, the 'keeper came out to cut out the move, but the ball looped over his head for Neller to have the simple task of placing it into the unguarded goal.

A great solo run from Neller just after the hour brought the game back to life.

When his first hot shot was well stopped, the rebound fell to Dale Bristow. His effort was cleared off the line and Lee Weller' s follow-up was also blocked.

On 68 minutes, R and B extended the lead to 3-1, as Weller headed in a Bristow corner at the far post.

A lucky goal gave the Bournemouth side hope on 72 minutes.

Terry Thresher's clearance hit substitute David Bratt on the back of his neck and ended up flying past the helpless Challis.

The Basingstoke team then looked for a fourth and a scrambled save denied Weller's header from a Toby Hyde cross.

The cup was presented to R and B captain Button by Barrie Hiscock, a member of the Hampshire FA Cup Committee.

R and B Sports: Kieron Challis, Phil Pike, Colin Davis ( sub Lee Berry), Ryan Evans, Terry Thresher, Simon Neller, Toby Hyde, Matt Button, Dale Bristow, Allan Mitchell, Lee Weller, Subs (not used). Paul Crowe, Richard Styles, Tom Button, Bruce Davis.