Eastern Region defeat Navy U23s to win Royal Navy Inter Regions cup final on penalties

The Eastern Region have won the Royal Navy Inter Region Cup Final after beating the Royal Navy's under-23s squad on penalties in Havant. 

An early goal from Prosper Kubuafor put the development side in the lead before an equaliser from Jack McCormack levelled up the scoreline in the early phases. 

Those would turn out to be the only scorers of the game as both sides found each other's defences tough to crack and a 1-1 draw meant the title would be decided on penalties. 

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Both sides were clinical from the spot and it wasn't until they were both level on 6-6 where under-23s' substitute Freddie Stewart was stopped by Eastern goalkeeper Andy Ennals.

Eastern Region skipper Lee Owens stepped up to slot in the winner confirming that the Inter Regions Cup title would be going to the team from the east. 

Speaking to BFBS Sport, goalscorer Jack McCormack commended his opponent's resilience throughout their encounter. 

He said: "It was a tough game. We had done well in the week but so did the under-23s, they had a really good game plan and made it really difficult for us to play. 

"They just sat in and really nullified the spaces and just made it difficult. 

"Their attitude and sort of resilience towards the game, and obviously battling against experience in and around the Navy and UKAF as well, I thought they were outstanding, they just worked hard throughout and went for the full 90 minutes."