Royal Engineers win the Woolwich Cup to complete the league and cup double
Victory in the Woolwich Cup caps an unprecedented period for the Royal Engineers. With the Massey League title already secured thanks to an unbeaten campaign, their 2-0 win over the Royal Signals in the final completes the league and cup double.
This year's cup culmination took place at the training ground home of West Ham United in Romford. The final was a frustrating fixture for the Signalmen when they failed to convert their chances.
Jorge Crofts from 14 Signal Regiment looked lively, but his shot midway through the contest was matched by Mitchell Smith in the Engineers' goal who made a competent save.
The two teams looked to be cancelling each other out, but gradually the Engineers grew into the contest.
The Sappers first real chance on goal came courtesy of George Ellis as he sent a right-footed shot towards Tom Ogg in the Signals goal.
But the Signals shot stopper was equal to the challenge.
Just moments after that chance came the turning point in the match. The Sappers Kieran Di Carluccio was fouled in the box and referee James Gursud awarded a penalty.
Having dusted himself down, Cypus-based Di Carluccio dispatched his spot kick low into the left corner of the goal to give his side the lead.
With the first half drawing to a close, the Royal Engineers added a second. An unmarked Di Carluccio was at the right place at the right time as teammate Liam Silver cut the ball back across the face of the goal and Di Carluccio was able to chest the ball home to make it 2-0.
The Sappers thought they had added a third goal after the break. Josh Peters linked up with Ryan Kenyon, but Peters had strayed offside prior to slipping the ball into the net.
The shot-shy Signalmen continued to struggle in front of goal as the game petered out to its conclusion and the Sappers were victorious.
Following their win, Sappers skipper Sergeant Craig Stevenson paid tribute to the players and coaching staff.
He said: "It means everything. I may have been fortunate enough to be captain for the last 10 years, but this is easily one of the strongest groups, men and coaching staff that I've ever had the honour of captaining.
"So I'm proud of myself, but I'm even more proud for them because they deserve it."
Join Our Newsletter
