EARLY goals from Andy Haig and Jon Noakes earned underdogs Hook a shock 2-0 victory over Basingstoke Royals in the final of the Basingstoke A Cup at Winklebury on Saturday.
Royals, who are unbeaten in the Basingstoke and District Saturday League this season, went into the game as strong favourites to claim the cup, but they were undone by two goals in the opening nine minutes.
Haig opened the scoring with just two minutes on the clock, firing home from close range after Aaron King's effort had been saved by Richard Mundy in the Royals goal.
Noakes doubled the lead seven minutes later, side-footing home after Pete Silvester had managed to flick on James Westwood's corner.
Royals got on top, but they were unable to find a way through a strong Hook defence, though Nick Willcock and Stephen Horton both went close before the break.
Hook goalkeeper Greg Archer made a fine save to prevent Haig scoring at the wrong end early in the second half, while Royals had their biggest chance just after the hour mark. Steve Stansbridge forced Archer into a very good save and while the rebound dropped to Stuart Urquhart, he could only fire wide.
Peter Pike went close to adding a third for Hook from a free-kick, but Royals continued to press and Archer had to make a good save to deny Willcock when he was put through on goal.
It wasn't to be Royals' day and they suffered a final blow in stoppage-time at the end of the game, when Horton was shown a second yellow card, leaving them to play the game out with 10 men.
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