by JOHN CAMPANY

THE Essex and Suffolk Border League's Tommy Thompson Cup was won by a young AFC Sudbury A side, who beat division two champions Stanway Pegasus 2-1.

Both sides, new to the league, produced an entertaining and competitive match and Sudbury held on to their two-goal interval lead until late in the game.

They withstood the more senior side’s late efforts to take the cup, which was presented by league chairman Brian Tatum.

For Sudbury, Fred King opened the scoring and Joe Osborn added the second, while Luke Payne replied in front of a good crowd at Stanway Rovers' Hawthorns ground.

Sudbury now look like taking second spot in division two.

On Friday evening, they meet mighty Gas Recreation, the premier division champions, at Brantham Athletic (7.45pm) in the final showpiece of the season – the League Knockout Cup.

Admission prices are £5 and £3 for concessions.

In the premier division on Saturday, Gas were not so mighty as Great Bentley thrashed the visitors 5-1.

Four of their goals came in the second half.

The home scorers were Kieron Baker, Dale Brown, Gareth Evans and Jake Vaughan, while Harry Willoughby responded.

Tiptree Heath finished their campaign with a 2-2 draw against White Notley, having led at half-time 2-0.

Tiptree finished in second place, trailing Gas by four points, but the leaders have two further games to play.

Callum Hunt and Ryan Knill Jones put the home side ahead but White Notley fought back strongly in the second half with goals from Josh Godfrey and Lee Ifield.

On Friday, Little Oakley Reserves were held by visiting Kelvedon Social 2-2 with the home goals coming from Gavin Martin and Samuel Poole.

Lawford Lads completed their season in fine style, beating Wormingford Wanderers 6-1.

In division three, Wormingford Wanderers Reserves travelled to Harwich Rangers and gained a resounding 4-1 win.

Nicholas Miller hit the home goal but was overwhelmed with goals from Mathew Carmen, Morgan Bloomfield and a brace from Edward Field.

Mersea Island entertained AFC Sudbury A, who narrowly beat the Islanders 2-0 and now need just a point from their last league match to claim the runners-up spot behind Stanway Pegasus.

Also in division two, Cavendish gained a 2-1 away victory at Ramsey and Mistley with goals from Daniel Ashdown and Hadyn Taylor.

In division three, Dedham Old Boys Reserves beat bottom side Tiptree Heath Reserves 2-0 with a brace from Layton Windsor.

Results: Premier division: Great Bentley 5 Gas Recreation 1, Lawford Lads 6 Wormingford Wanderers 1, Little Oakley Res 2 Kelvedon Social 2, Tiptree Heath 2 White Notley 2.

Division two: Harwich Rangers 1 Wormingford Wanderers Res 4, Mersea Island 0 AFC Sudbury A 2, Ramsey & Mistley 1 Cavendish 2.

Division three: Dedham Old Boys Res 2 Tiptree Heath Res 0.