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Three is the magic number as the Blues lift the cup

Billericay Town won their third Velocity Cup with a third goal in added time, finally seeing off the challenge of Chatham Town

All roads led to Aveley, as title-chasing Billericay Town took on holders Chatham Town in the Final of the Velocity Cup- and the sides delivered a five goal thriller with a last-gasp winner, Billericay eventually lifting the trophy after an evening of pure drama.

The Chats were in fine form. Ten games unbeaten in all competitions and looking for a fifth consecutive win, the side in red were hoping to match the achievement of their women’s team, who a week earlier had lifted our Women’s Cup by defeating…Billericay Town. They started well, dominating the opening minutes, but then on eleven minutes the Blues got a corner, and the ball ended up at the feet of Ben Steward, who got it under control and then fired it home. Eight minutes before half time it was two-nil, skipper Matt Johnson finding Frankie Merrifield, and fun time Frankie found the net.

Billericay looked comfortable. They weren’t to remain that way.

Chatham came out after the break determined to get a foothold in the match, and it took them only three minutes to get a goal back. John Ufuah charged down the wing, beat his man, and crossed for Jamie Yila to finish superbly. Another three minutes and all of Billericay’s first half efforts had been undone, Kareem Isiaka firing home to level- and it seemed that the Chats were in the ascendency.

Billericay must have been devastated by that comeback, but they quickly settled, and both sides worked to find a winner. The Blues struck the post nine minutes from time, Femi Akinwande thwarted despite his best efforts, and we entered five minutes of added time looking as if penalties were going to be required- however Billericay had other ideas. We’ve seen the goal given to Charlie Panton (the club’s social media) and to Bradley Williams (other reports) so we shall clear that up later, but whoever was the scorer there were ninety two minutes on the clock when the header found the top corner, and finally Chatham had to accept defeat.

Many congratulations to Billericay Town, Velocity Cup Winners 2024-25.