Staffordshire FA Challenge Cup Final
Lichfield City Reserves 1 Tunstall Town 7
Monday 20th March 2017
at Brocton FC

As the game kicked off we were treated to a howling wind and driving rain as the first 20 minutes was played in a downpour with the only hope being it would not spoil the game for those on the field and those braving the elements to support from the stands.

Tunstall had looked the most likely scorers even before they took a 21st minute lead from a Danny Meek penalty and any hopes Lichfield had of making a comeback were eliminated with a four goal in 9 minute spell before the break with Wayne Rushton (31mins), Dan Arrowsmith (35mins), Matt Haddrell (37mins) and Rushton with his 2nd on 40 minutes ensuring the tie was all but over.

Any hopes of a comeback relied on a fast start to the second half for Lichfield but it was the goal of the game from Ashley Moore hit sublime volley from the corner of the box into the bottom corner and when Shaun Malbon made it 7-0 with the second Tunstall penalty of the game just five minutes later, Lichfield were done.

That said, Jake Allen hit a fine free kick consolation for Lichfield but it was far too little, far too late as the side once famed for its losing streak were crowned County champions and the torrential downpour ruing the presentations could not dampen the trophy presentations with the champagne mixed with Staffordshire rain tasting no less sweet.

Congratulations to Tunstall and thanks to all who braved a cold night at Silkmore Lane to offer their support to their respective teams.