Worcester Forge secured the Cheltenham League Primary Charity Cup with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Whaddon United III in Friday night’s final held at FC Lakeside’s Cold Pool Lane.
The Forge’s triumph was powered by goals from George Handsaker, Dale Wilson, and Mason James, who each made their mark on the scoreboard to claim the silverware.
The match began with both teams evenly matched, exchanging possession without clear chances. Whaddon United created early opportunities through Zac Lewis and Dylan Robinson, but Worcester’s goalkeeper stood firm to keep the score level.
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The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when a high cross from Tristan Whilby found Handsaker at the back post. Handsaker expertly headed the ball into the center of the net, giving Worcester Forge the lead.
Forge continued to assert control, with strong link-up play between Wilson and Tyler Nicholson testing the United defense. Wilson doubled the advantage before halftime, capitalizing on a freed-up chance following two saved attempts from Robinson.
Whaddon attempted to respond just before the break, with Jack Mayo missing a header from a corner, and tried to sustain momentum in the second half. Robinson’s long throw and Alfie Bolger’s corner came close to scoring, but Worcester’s defense held firm.
Worcester countered effectively, with Wilson setting up Nicholson whose shot rattled the crossbar. Midway through the second half, in the 68th minute, a well-placed free-kick found Mason James, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, sealing the win.
Substitute Luke Roberts made several chances for Worcester after the third goal, but Whaddon’s goalkeeper Sam Atkinson denied any further scoring. Whaddon’s late efforts fell short as Robinson’s final header narrowly missed the target.
The final whistle confirmed Worcester Forge as worthy champions, finishing a dominant display marked by solid defense and clinical finishing.
Match line-ups:
Whaddon United III: Atkinson, Oldham, Mayo, Robinson, Howley, Bolger, MacMorack, Carr, Surman, Lewis, Beauan. Subs: Parsons, Anderson, Smith, Falloon, Pockett.
AFC Worcester Forge: Pinnock, Bassett, Phipps, Rowley, Burgess, Whilby, Perry, James, Handsaker, Nicholson, Wilson. Subs: Stubbs, L Ralph, McLay, Roberts, M Ralph.