LIVE & LET LIVE .. 0, MONKWICK ........ 2
(after extra time)In one of the best Sunday League Cup finals for several years, Second Division Live and Let Live beat the holders Monkwick, in extra time after a thrilling and absorbing match at Braiswick.
The winning goals came two minutes after the start of the extra period and two minutes from the end. Kelvin Llewellyn and Gerard Manning were the marksmen.
The early play, before a crowd in the region of 250, was very much dominated by the pub side, however superb goalkeeping by Monkwick's John Ward prevented any score. Three times in as many minutes he made superb saves from Llewellyn (twice) and a well struck Ian Vandermark free kick.
As the half progressed Monkwick showed glimpses of the form they produced when beating Eight Ash Green in the semi-final. But the Live and Let Live defence, well marshalled by Neil Partner gave little away.
The second half opened in sensational style with Ken Barton netting in the first minute. Referee Gosling awarded a goal but the decision was revoked after consultation with a linesman.
After this early good fortune Monkwick began to take charge of the midfield and it looked odds on that they would sneak the all-important first goal.
Live and Let Live countered this Monkwick move by dropping midfield man Vandermark into the back row. His presence was instantly noticed.
Fifteen minutes from the end Monkwick substituted Frank Manning for John Mullington - a move that nearly paid off. Within minutes Manning had the ball in the pub side's net only to be adjudged offside.
The closing stages of normal time again saw the Live and Let Live have the edge but Peter Coleman, the Monkwick pivot, did a terrific job in holding them at bay.
The breakthrough came after only two minutes of extra time. Live and Let Live forced a corner and following this in a goalmouth melee Llewellyn scored from close range.
Monkwick's reply was instantaneous. Gary Greenleaf pushed up with his forwards, collected a loose ball and fired over from just inside the box with the Live defence all at sea. This should have put Monkwick back in the game.
This sudden surge of Monkwick pressure quickly subsided after Partner and Vandermark again averted any danger and they settled down to attacking football again. A last ditch tackle by Greenleaf on Llewellyn saved Monkwick the possibility of going further behind but cost Greenleaf a booking - the only one of a highly competitive encounter.
In the second period of extra time Ward brought off the save of the match when, unsighted, he made a last gasp reflex save from a Llewellyn pile driver.
As the minutes ticked by Monkwick threw everyting into a last desperate bid to get on terms but as usual in such a situation it cost them another goal that clinched the outcome. Live and Let Live made a quick break from defence down the right flank and the ball came across to an unmarked Gerry Manning who collected, rounded the 'keeper and slotted the ball home.
Teams:
Live and Let Live: D.Plumb, P.Willis, A.Leach, G,Merry, N.Partner, A.Hunt, I.Vandermark, D.Smart, K.Llewellyn, K.Barton, W. Riseborough, G.Manning.
Monkwick: J.Ward, P.Behn, G.Greenleaf, T.Burr, D.Clouting, P.Coleman, B.Ruffle, D.Todd, J.Mullington, R.Todd, D.Austin, F.Manning.
Courtesy of Colchester Express - 10th May 1973
