In the sunshine on once again a superb playing surface at Stockingford Pavilion, POPLAR start the stronger, seeing more of the possession, but defensibly DRAYTON are rising to the task. On 14 minutes, Ethan Lookers sees his header go close for the POP for the first clear cut opportunity. All POPLAR but DRAYTON seem to have weathered the storm. James Ritson shoots, excellent save from Chris Knight in the DRAYTON goal. Half hour gone Joe Miles meets a through ball, shoots GOAL ! but wait a moment the flag is raised just offside.
With half time approaching DRAYTON have their first real chance, Jack King is on the end of a weak clearance but puts his effort wide.
Intriguing game POPLAR on top, but DRAYTON very resilient. Then on 52 minutes a defensive error sees DRAYTON lose the ball to Danny Harris, who is through on goal and it is 1-0 POPLAR.
DRAYTONS confidence has taken a knock and on 65 minutes Ryan Harkin has the ball in the net , but again chalked off for offside. POPLAR keep the pressure on and the pressure pays, Harkin is through but is impeded by Chris Knight, penalty to POPLAR up steps Danny Harris for his and POPLARS second 2-0. The game is sliding away from DRAYTON and its 2 goals in a minute, Joe Miles threads through Ryan Harkin for 3-0.
With 20 minutes to play, DRAYTON pull one back as Steve Barrett's shot is deflected onto the post off Mitchell Harrison in the Pop goal and its 3-1, end to end now and back come POPLAR, Ben Thackeray effort goes close, before Danny Harris picks out Sam Belcher who finds the bottom corner.
Harris goes close with a clever chip for his hat-trick, just over, but on 88 minutes DRAYTON have a second as Sean Wilson heads a cross to Lee Hewitt whose shot hits the bar onto the head of Simon Short who knocks it in for 4-2, then on 92 minutes its 5-2 a quick POP break sees Sam Belcher find Harkin who seals a great cup win for POPLAR ATHLETIC FC
Good competitive game, well controlled by referee Craig Ward and his team of Mike Smith, Garry Kings and Brian King.
Thanks go to Stockingford Pavilion and Dave Meuse for the use of the EXCELLENT Stadium.
Also a BIG thankyou to our Sponsors - SOPHIA PREGNANCY LOSS SUPPORT
