Bromley are crowned SSV Cup winners

21 August 2008

BROMLEY by Bow are celebrating winning the SSV Charity Champions Cup following a 5-1 demolition of Beaumont Athletic in an all-east London final of the competition on Sunday.

Both teams overcame strong opposition in the 27-team tournament to reach the final at Mile End Stadium, with Beaumont beating Cambridge 1-0 in their semi-final and Bromley by Bow prevailing over Bethnal Green FC in their last-four tie.

Beaumont, winners of the Umbro Cup in Manchester last week, were hot favourites ahead of the match, which attracted a capacity crowd of more than 800 people from all over the country.

But Bromley were not overawed and created the game's first real chance inside the opening five minutes.

They duly took a deserved lead in the 10th minute when Marlon Boateng lobbed home.

And forward Olivier Barracks fired in a loose ball to double Bromley's advantage midway through the first half.

Beaumont made a series of changes at half-time and emerged from the interval determined to overturn the deficit.

But despite a strong opening to the second half from Beaumont, it was Bromley who went further ahead when Boateng raced clear of the defence to add a third goal after an hour.

Beaumont's improved showing after the resumption was finally rewarded when they pulled a goal back 15 minutes from time.

But Boateng completed a brilliant hat-trick five minutes later, smashing home a wonderful pass from Bahar Ali to restore Bromley's three-goal advantage.

And James Hoskyn wrapped up a stunning victory in stoppage time to seal the triumph as Bromley bucked their status as underdogs and lifted the trophy the inaugural winners of the

competition.