With another footballing season now being wrapped up we saw eight Zzoomm HFA County Cup finals being held, drawing a close to the various competitions for another year.

It has been an exciting and very successful season for the County Cups, with increased numbers taking part and high attendances bring great support across all finals, where lots of money has been raised for our Charity partners SSAFA.

The HFA Giantkillers Cup competition has expanded in recent seasons helping produce a competitive competition, with teams from outside of Herefordshire being invited to take part. This year’s final was a very close affair as Inkberrow Eagles recovered from an early Malvern Town goal to take a strong hold on the match and secure the two goals that would see them lift the trophy in their first ever appearance.

Another first-time victory came in the HFA Women’s County Cup. The competition being more competitive than ever saw Hereford FC in the final, defeating last season’s winners Hereford Pegasus in the semi’s, while Ross Juniors reached the final for a second time running. Hereford exploded to life early in the match gaining a 4-0 advantage and while Ross Juniors made the second period a closer affair the first half damage secured Hereford FC the title for the first time with a 5-1 victory.

The men’s County Challenge Cup final saw Hereford Pegasus of the Hellenic League Premier Division face a youthful Hereford FC team. Cawley Cox continued his excellent goalscoring season for Pegasus by giving the Old School Lane side an early lead. The big crowd of 425 saw an entertaining game finish 3-1 thanks to Luke Bufton finding the winner, handing the trophy to Hereford Pegasus who will now have the chance to play for the HFA Senior Cup in the coming months against an opponent to be confirmed.

The Charity Bowl final saw the top two teams in the Herefordshire Football League Premier Division face off one last time. After a slow start Wellington came into their own late in the second half with three quicker fire goals, including Charlie Jenkins curling a worldie into the top corner, giving the Tangerines a league and cup double to celebrate.

Shobdon Men’s team got to their second Junior Cup final in two seasons as they faced new Club AFC Worcester. A tight match couldn’t separate the sides and so the game went to penalties where the Worcestershire side came out victorious overcoming their higher division opponents.

This season’s finals were rounded up with three youth finals displaying the future of football to crowds of over 100 in each match. Tupsley Girls U15 overcame Ross Juniors U16 in the U16 Girls County Final with a 3-0 victory which showcased the exciting talent coming through in the female game. A strong Pegasus side lifted the HFA Youth Cup defeating Bartestree in the Boys U16 competition. While Worcester City U14 Girls lifted the U14 Girls County Cup after a dominate display over Hereford Pegasus girls.

A huge thank you must be shared with everybody involved in this year’s finals helping to make them the success that they were.

HFA Board & Council Members: for volunteering their time running each event ensuring the finals went smoothly.

Zzoomm: the leading sponsor of each HFA County Cup competition.

Hereford Lions: for sponsorship of and presenting the Player of the Matches trophies in the youth competitions.

Marsh Sports: for their sponsorship of Player of the Matches trophies at each adult final.

Hereford FC: for their support and use of Edgar Street

Will Cheshire: As our official County Cup photographer.

A special mention to each player, club official and referee that has participated in the County Cup competitions throughout the season. Thank you for your efforts, and for making the competitions the enjoyable, exciting events that they are.