Crowle Colts FC secured back-to-back County Junior Cup triumphs with a commanding 5-1 victory over Ruston Sports FC at the Jakemans Community Stadium. A dominant second-half display ensured Crowle lifted the trophy once again, cementing their place as champions for another year.

First Half – A Tight Contest

The game started at a high tempo, with Ruston Sports looking to make their mark early. In the 9th minute, Haydn Havard latched onto a superb ball down the left, but Crowle’s goalkeeper, Zach Beedle, was quick off his line to deny the opportunity.

Crowle responded with a big chance of their own in the 19th minute. Ben Johnson found space in the box and drilled an effort towards goal, but Ruston’s Craig Turner produced a fine save to keep the scores level.

The deadlock was broken in the 34th minute when Crowle’s Joe Hare unleashed a thunderous strike that crashed in off the crossbar, putting the defending champions 1-0 ahead. Ruston came close to an equaliser five minutes later when Louis Nesbitt’s deflected shot narrowly missed the far post.

Just before half-time, Crowle had a golden opportunity to extend their lead from the penalty spot. Hash Cranidge stepped up but saw his effort strike the inside of the post and go out for a goal kick. Moments later, Johnson blazed a close-range chance over the bar as Crowle took a narrow 1-0 lead into the break.

HT: Ruston Sports 0-1 Crowle Colts

Second Half – Crowle Take Control

The second half saw Crowle shift into another gear, and it took just five minutes for them to double their advantage. A long ball over the top picked out Kurt Robinson, who coolly slotted into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.

Crowle continued to press, and in the 65th minute, they added a third. A corner delivery caused chaos in the box, and Henry Cook reacted quickest to loop a header into the net, putting his side in firm control.

Ruston thought they had pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute, but the offside flag denied Liam Snow from adding to the tally. However, they did get on the scoresheet in the 78th minute when Andy Janssen met a cross with a well-placed header from eight yards to make it 3-1.

Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived, as Crowle restored their three-goal cushion just two minutes later. Substitute Liam Snow connected with Ashton Short’s drilled cross to fire home for 4-1. Snow then rounded off the scoring in the 85th minute, rifling a shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner to seal a dominant 5-1 victory.

FT: Ruston Sports 1-5 Crowle Colts

Manager Reaction

Crowle Colts Manager, Gav Cooper, was full of praise for his team after their impressive display:

“We are elated to win it – to win it not once but twice is incredible. The lads were superb from start to finish. I thought we dominated the game, and we were superb on the ball. It is amazing for a town of our size to come back and win this cup for the second time. It’s such an honour to lead these lads.”

With their County Junior Cup title successfully defended, Crowle Colts FC have once again proven their strength, writing another chapter of success in their club’s history.