The two evenly matched teams had met just a few weeks earlier in the league and played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Rectory Park. We expected a similar goal fest this time but it was a tighter affair this time round.
Despite us having a good amount of possession and pressure it was Orient who carved out the clearest chances on goal in the first half. Paige had to be alert and made two excellent saves and Orient squandered two other good chances.
At the other end the ball wouldn't quite fall for us though the build up play looked very promising and despite Orients chances we looked the slightly better team.
Ht: 0-0
In the 2nd half we stepped it up a gear and Paige was rarely troubled while we started working the Orient keeper more. Slick passes and touches as well as exceptionally hard work and determination finally got us the goal. Mel broke down the right wing and played Carla in. Instead of shooting she cut it back to the edge of the box where Jess arrived and put a perfectly placed shot low into the bottom corner out of reach for the keeper.
1-0 to us! Jessica Byrne
A couple of half chances followed where we could have made it 2-0 but as we had no luck a frantic final few minutes followed as Leyton pushed everyone forward. The Acton supporters were getting slightly anxious and more vocal as Orient carved out a good chance with a shot that hit the post but was eventually cleared! After what seemed like the longest 2 minutes of extra time ever the referee finally blew her whistle for full time, and the cup went home with us!
FT: 0-1 Actonians!!!
At the presentation captain Catherine Murphy was awarded player of the match by the county officials before she lifted the cup and the celebrations began! Champions!!!