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Gym United bow out with fourth cup win

GYM United signed off in the ‘perfect way’ by winning the Suffolk Sunday Cup.

GYM United signed off in the ‘perfect way’ by winning the Rushmere Golf Club Suffolk Sunday Cup.

Goalkeeper Ben Mayhew saved two penalties as they defeated Brandon Town Community 4-3 in a shoot-out following a 2-2 draw in the delayed 2019-20 final on Sunday afternoon.

It was Gym United’s final match as a Sunday side as they have now folded and will not be competing in the Bury & District Sunday League or any cup competitions this season.

The result meant Gym United retained the cup they also won in the 2018-19 season and this was their fourth success overall in the county competition.

Gym United player-manager Matt Morton described it as the ‘perfect way’ to sign off, with the club breaking the all-time record of wins in the competition for Bury & District Sunday League clubs.

Opponents Brandon Town Community pushed them all the way, twice taking the lead before being pegged back on both occasions in a pulsating opening 45 minutes at The Denny Brothers Stadium, home of Bury Town FC.

Shaun Avis put them ahead after just three minutes, squeezing his penalty between goalkeeper Duncan McNally and his right-hand post after he himself had been fouled by Cordel Jackson.

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Brandon Town Community's Shaun Avis (No.9) is fouled by Cordel Jackson, who conceded a penalty in only the third minute. Photographs: Paul Voller

Gym United were on level terms after quarter-of-an-hour, Alex McIntosh’s pace taking him away from two defenders before beating Frank Gammon with a low cross-shot inside the far post.

Gammon breathed a sigh of relief after he was shown just a yellow card mid-way through the half after he rushed out of his area and upended Andrew Wood as he bore down on goal.

Brandon Town Community restored their advantage in the 29th minute, Jake Bogle’s low shot taking a deflection and creeping inside the far post, but Michael Campbell equalised a minute later, cutting in from the right and firing home.

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Michael Campbell (white shirt, second right) fires home Gym United's second equaliser.

Mayhew replaced McNally in the Gym United goal at the start of the second period and he produced a fine save, clawing away Josh Green’s header from Bogle’s diagonal cross with just three minutes remaining.

Craig Nurse almost won it in spectacular fashion for Gym United in the 89th minute, Gammon flying full length to save his rising drive.

Although Gammon saved skipper Nathan Clarke’s effort, Mayhew kept out spot kicks from both Ryan Sanders and Murray Burt to seal victory for Gym United.

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Gym United goalkeeper Ben Mayhew makes one of his two penalty saves.

 

The Teams

Brandon Town Community: Frank Gammon, Luke Corbyn, Charlie Power, Luke Woods, Kyle Dyer, Teddy Webber, Ryan Sanders, Jake Bogle, Jack Slater, Charlie Read, Shaun Avis. Subs: Callum Powell, Murray Burt, Jack Williams, Josh Green, Harry Rampley.

Gym United: Duncan McNally, Matt Morton, Nathan Clarke, Harvey Hubbard, Cordel Jackson, Alex McIntosh, Craig Nurse, Max Melanson, Michael Campbell, Andrew Wood, Jack Brame. Subs: Ben Mayhew, Wayne Proctor, Charlie Robinson, Shaun Hundson, Johnny Conroy.

Referee: Kevin Harrington.

Attendance: 160.

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