In front of a crowd full of friends and #cardeafamily both teams were determined to win the cup and enjoy the occasion. Three periods of thirty minutes were played.

The reserves made the better start with Hart and Bosett both causing problems for the first team defence. It was Bosett who had the best chance when he found himself one on one with the keeper but Sampson pulled off a great save to keep the game goalless.

The first team opened the scoring with their first chance of the game, Reddell played the ball to Ames on the edge of the box and the striker made no mistake with the shot into the bottom corner.

Cardea first's doubled their lead after 25 minutes. Yeoman crossed the ball in and it evaded everybody and Simons swept the ball home at the back post. He then provided the best celebration of the day by running to the stands to applaud his goal.

The first team added a third 4 minutes later. Yeoman took advantage of a defensive mix up and played in Ames who was clinical with his finish.

As the game headed towards the end of the first period Bosett latched on to a short backpass and rounded Sampson to score his dream goal at the ABAX.

The reserves pulled another goal back midway through the second period. A ball forward was flicked on by manager (and captain for the period) Robinson to Stacey. The strikers first shot was saved by Sampson but he got to the rebound and scored with a "bullet" header!

Robinson almost levelled the game moments later but his header at the back post went just wide of the post to deny him a dream.

The second period ended in comedic style as Jacobs played a cross field ball to Hart but the attacker lost the flight of the ball, turned away and the ball bounced off the back of his head leaving Jacobs literally floored with laughter!

In the third period Cardea sealed the win with their forth goal, Cooke ran from half way past a couple of challenges, and a attempted snap from Frags, into the area and his shot was tapped in at the back post by Creek.

The lead should have been extended by club secretary Kev Webster, who had a 20 minute cameo. Webster was played in but Hardingham was quickly out to him in the Reserves goal and the shot went wide, meaning the only official to score a Cardea goal remains treasurer Adam Youell (and what a goal it was!!!).

The best goal of the day was saved until last. Reserves defender Junior Jones-Eyre ran with the ball and was 25 yards out with Craig Robinson in goal, evoking memories of Parkside vs Cardea 3 years ago, and the outcome was the same as Jones-Eyre struck a great shot which hit the inside of the post and flew into the net.

The game finished 4-3 and Cardea first team retained the Cardea Cup but more importantly both teams put in a great performance and produced a superb game of football.

After the game the two Robinson's had their say on the game and the season.

First team manager Craig Robinson said: "We couldn't have finished the season any better, London Road in front of a healthy crowd. Today's game was all about giving everyone involved in the club a day they won't forget. The result to me didn't matter today but it was nice to retain the Cardea Cup.

"My MOTM was Rob Ames, very good 60 minutes, two goals and caused the Reserves lots of problems. Special mention to Creek for his tricks and the winning goal.

"The season as whole as been a success. It was always going to difficult to win 3 league titles back to back to back, but finishing runners up to gain a 3rd consecutive promotion is an achievement of its own. Runners up in the Hereward Cup was a bit of low point as we had beaten 2 teams from the league above on previous rounds but just failed to turn up on the night.

"The one trophy I wanted at the start of the season was the county cup which is in my opinion the hardest to win and we got it!!! We knocked last years winners out in the quarters, and did enough to win the final.

"Massive congratulations to my players for a terrific season and I'm looking forward to presentation night."

Reserve team manager Matt Robinson was also full of praise: "What a great day, I thanked the players before the game for a great season and I will forever be grateful for their commitment and the way they have responded to me right from the start of my time as manager.

"I was always going to treat today as a friendly and all I asked was that the players worked hard and were able to come off the pitch proud of themselves. We definitely did that!

"I'll give MOTM to Pup for the fact he didn't lose a 50/50 and he worked his socks off. Linked up well bearing in mind he hasn't played with a lot of the lads before.

"I definitely consider this season a success, we are league winners and had a decent run in the cup which is all I asked for! Next season will be a challenge but one I feel like we will be more than ready for!

Thanks to everyone that has been involved this season! It's been s good one!"

Kev Webster added: "A massive well done to all the first team lads on promotion to the Prem and winning the Hunts Cup final, both massive achievements. Two cup finals was a great way to end the season.

"Congratulations to Cardea Reserves who kept up the Cardea tradition of winning league titles. Reaching a cup semi final and quarter final was a cracking effort and hopefully a final for them next season which they all deserve.

"Thank you to all involved over the season your help and support has been appreciated. Good way to end the season at London Road, hope you all enjoyed the occasion. Have a good summer and see you all at presentation night."

Next up on the Cardea calender is presentation night on the 10th June at Powerleague.