The Colts won their first major Essex Challenge Cup on Sunday, with an impressive performance against young opponents from South Woodham Ferrers, who play in the Maldon Sunday League.

The match was played before a large crowd at Tiptree Football Club and the spectators were provided with a thrilling end to end match.

The evergreen Colts were almost twice the age of their opponents, although they were never beaten for pace at any time during the match.

Danny Bench in the Town Crier goal was called upon several times in the first half hour to make saves from Daren Brighton, Bradley Smith and Jamie Bullard.

The Colts keeper Simon Berry had little to do in the first half and was well supported in defence by 'old stagers' Peter Hackett and Johnny Bullard and man of the match, player/manager Kevin Gray, who kept Mark Jiggins -- Town Crier's big centre forward quiet with an impressive display.

The only problem the Colts had in the first half was when they allowed the skilful sweeper Steve McCullough time to dictate the play from within his own half.

As the first half was coming to an end, Colts Davie Hollaway and Dave Fuller linked up well with Trevor Stuart who blasted a shot which was parried away for a corner by the keeper.

From the corner kick by Jimmy Willis, Kevin Gray placed his header just over the bar.

From the restart Colts again took the initiative when Hackett and Gray combined to send Johnny Bullard on a run which saw him release the ball to his son Jamie.

He took on the defence only to have the ball taken away from him by Jon Binstead's superb tackle just inside the penalty box.

With 20 minutes gone Town Crier were denied a goal by Simon Berry when he tipped over a fierce 25 yard free kick from Andy Robinson.

More pressure came from Jason Shepherd when he made a good run from inside his own half and placed the ball neatly into the path of Danny Wiley.

He only had the goalkeeper to beat, but saw his effort headed clear by Berry who had raced off his line to assist the defence.

With 15 minutes left Hackett and Gray combined again to set up Bradley Smith on a run down the right wing and his cross was met by Trevor Stuart who again had his effort saved only to be put in the path of Daren Brighton who smashed the ball into the net.

The celebrations were put on hold as the Colts went looking for a second goal and substitute Georgie Ling was inches away with a header provided by an inch perfect cross from Jimmy Willis.

The final whistle brought a sigh of relief from the Colts veterans who sank to their knees in sheer exhaustion.

The Colts were urged on from the dug out by their loyal band of followers throughout the match who were just as exhausted as the players.

Colts skipper Trevor Stuart was then presented with the coveted trophy which has been won for the first time by a team from the Spall Brentwood Sunday League.

The Colts are now preparing for their next Cup Final (Division One) against Great Danes FC in the League Cup at Herongate (on May 9 kick-off 10.30am).

Collier Row Colts: Simon Berry, Dave Fuller, Peter Hackett, Kevin Gray, Johnny Bullard, David Hollaway, Trevor Stuart, Jimmy Willis, Jamie Bullard, Daren Brighton and Bradley Smith. Substitutes: Georgie Ling, Steve Geggus, Micky Dexter, Mike Chapman, Jacko McCarthy and Terry Maybin.

Up for the cup . . the Collier Row Colts Football Club players celebrate after beating Town Crier Athletic 1-0 in Sunday's Essex Junior Cup final at Tiptree United Football Club.

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