Long Stratton hold their nerve to win county cup and wrap up the double

Long Stratton’s Sunday side capped a season to remember by winning the Norfolk FA Wensum Print Sunday Junior Cup at the weekend.

Stratton, who had already clinched the Norwich & District Sunday League Division Two title, travelled to the FDC on the outskirts of Norwich looking to wrap up the double.

And while it was far from straightforward against FC Steamers, they eventually got the job done in a penalty shootout.

In what was an entertaining encounter, Stratton found themselves a goal behind, only to respond by opening up a 3-1 advantage.

However, two Steamers goals in as many second-half minutes saw the contest end level at three apiece, with Stratton going on to triumph 4-2 on spot kicks.

“To win a county cup is special,” said Stratton manager Steve Race. “Although we didn’t play as well as we can on the day, Steamers were very tough opponents who played some good football.

“But our lads dug deep when they had to and held their nerve in the shootout.

“We all had a big desire to put a first county cup into Long Stratton’s trophy cabinet.”

Having gone a goal down, Stratton managed to take a 2-1 lead into the break via goals from James Bemrose and Sam Page.

Bemrose scored his second goal of the game in the 52nd minute when he bundled in Page’s cross, but Steamers battled back with quickfire goals from Sam Grady and George Diggens.

Aiden Way was the Stratton hero during the subsequent shootout, making two saves before Bemrose stepped up to score the winner from 12 yards.

Stratton will collect the league trophy on Sunday after taking on Old Catton.