Ross Juniors 3 Weston 1

FJ Pope Cup Final

ROSS Juniors lifted the FJ Pope Cup in front of a crowd of over 200 at Newent Town in a hard fought local derby against Weston.

Weston should have taken the lead as early as the seventh minute when Jack Wright was put through one-on-one with the goalkeeper and after rounding him, opted for power and saw his shot come back off the bar.

They were made to pay for the miss in the 15th minute when Callum McCulloch played in Ben Gardner and his shot beat Dan Morris at his near post to give Ross the lead.

They doubled the lead on the half hour mark as a speculative Dave Nichols shot from 25 yards flew past the hapless Morris.

The remainder of the half was played out with neither side really being able to gain the upper hand.

Weston got back into the game after only four minutes of the second half. A James Reid through ball was picked up by Wright, and he turned smartly in the box before firing home.

Weston then grew in confidence but all of their hard work was undone after 15 minutes.

Following a Ross corner, a scramble ensued and Wes Parker’s intended clearance hit Shane Bruton and the ball looped into the net for an own goal.

The remainder of the game was played out with neither goalkeeper really having to make a save of note and Ross Juniors deservedly lifted the trophy.