THE Hatch Warren Phoenix Flares under16s completed a Peter Houseman League and cup double with a hard fought 2-0 win against a very strong Rooksdown Eagles side.
The Flares had already completed an unbeaten league campaign, winning all bar one game, to lift the league title back in February.
The Eagles started the game slightly stronger, but eventually the Flares settled down and began to play as they have done all season.
The Flares had the majority of the play but without creating too many clear cut chances, whilst having to be alert to the dangerous Rooksdown attack.
The breakthrough came just before half time when David Cope capitalised on a defensive slip to break clear and slot home past the goalkeeper, as the Flares went at the break 1-0 up.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Rooksdown dominating the early stages, without really threatening to score.
The key moment came in the middle of the second half when Ben Gill battled with a defender was tripped.
The referee did not hesitate to award the penalty and David Cope stepped up to convert for his and the team’s second goal.
The two goal cushion meant the Flares had a little breathing space although Rooksdown kept up the pressure until the end.
Man of the match went to Cope for his two goals, with other outstanding performances from Lewis Simmonds and Finley Burt bossing the midfield, and Sam Barlow and Sam Hartgill rock solid in defence.
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