Royal Engineers Win Woolwich Cup

The Royal Engineers have been crowned Woolwich Cup champions after beating the Royal Signals 2-1.

The final was given the go-ahead after it was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and, in a repeat of last year’s final, it was defending champions the Royal Signals who looked most likely to take an early lead.

Engineers goalkeeper Luke Cairney denied the Signals after saving a goal-bound header with just two minutes played.

The Signals kept up the early pressure and Cairney was forced into a smart save to deny Jamie Turner from grabbing the lead for the Signals.

However, somewhat against the run of play, the Engineers took the lead.

James Hubbard's free kick found Sam Atkinson and his effort somehow crept in following an unfortunate fumble by Signals keeper Tyler Forsyth.

It wasn’t long before the Sappers doubled their lead after Cairney’s quick clearance found teammate Dan Stoneman.

The pacy striker burst free from his marker before teasing the ball across the six-yard box for Hubbard to slide home and take the Sappers into the break with a two-goal cushion.

The second half started in frantic fashion when the Signalmen were awarded a penalty after Daniel Carr clattered into Jack May.

There was drama after Cairney saved Kevin Cameron’s first attempt, only for the penalty to be retaken after the Sappers goalkeeper was deemed to have moved off his line.

Cameron made no mistake with the retake, slotting home to halve the deficit and give his team hope of a comeback.

But, despite the efforts of both teams, neither side could add to their tally.

The Signallers were thwarted once again by Cairney at one end of the pitch, while Atkinson was denied a second after striking the woodwork with a free kick.

It was delight at the final whistle as the Sappers held on for the win.

Corporal Craig Stevenson, Royal Engineers Captain, said lifting the trophy was "absolutely brilliant".

"I’ve been fortunate enough to lift the trophy before, and it's just nice to do it again,” he said.

"Especially after the Royal Signals winning it last time, so it's nice to get it back into our trophy cabinet."