Broomfield FC 2-1 Sandon Royals FC

The Mid-Essex season kicked off on Saturday 31st August, with the game being played at Broomfield FC who were outstanding hosts on the day.

A competitive fixture saw Broomfield take an early lead after just 9 minutes.

Broomfield created a number of opportunities with which to extend their lead but failed to capitalise. Sandon were however grateful to their goalkeeper who pulled off an outstanding top-corner save on the stroke of half-time, following an effort from 25 yards which seemed destined for the back of the net.

Sandon Royals made their opponents pay for their string of wasted efforts when Mackenzie Maberly scored the equaliser with 55 minutes on the clock.

The game ebbed and flowed thereafter and with 10 minutes remaining looked to be heading for a penalty shootout.

However, a swift break down the right by Broomfield saw the ball lifted into the penalty area and was duly converted to put the hosts 2-1 up.

This time, Broomfield were able to hold on to their lead and see out the remainder of the game to lift the trophy.

———————————————————————————

The Fred Brooks Memorial Trophy is the MEFL’s annual charity competition, kicking off each season the week before the first League games are played

First held in 1951 as the Mid-Essex Trophy, the Competition presents the first opportunity of the season for silverware and is traditionally contested by the winners of the Premier Division and David Strachan KO Cup competitions

MEFL stalwarts Great Baddow have been the competition’s most prolific winners, lifting the trophy on nine occasions - 1964, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015

This season, Broomfield FC will play host to Sandon Royals FC - neither side have lifted the cup before so the victor will become the 26th winner in the competition’s 73-year history