In their last game in youth football as a team and with two cups already secured this season, Moulton went into the Mick Walden Shield Final with the chance to complete a memorable treble.

Moulton started brightly and looked the better of the two sides in the opening stages. The first real attack of the game saw some excellent football down the right-hand side, with the ball eventually falling to Toby Sainsbury, who fired narrowly wide.

The first half was largely a cagey affair, with both teams cancelling each other out and clear-cut chances at a premium. Moulton probably edged the opening 35-40 minutes without ever truly testing the opposition goalkeeper.

Then, just before the break, the game exploded into life. A reckless challenge from the Peterborough right winger sparked a mass confrontation involving players from both sides. After tempers flared in a 10-man melee, the referee produced red cards for one player from each team, while a Peterborough substitute was also dismissed.

Half-time: Moulton 0-0 FC Peterborough

Moulton made three substitutions at the break, and it completely changed the complexion of the match. The new shape saw Moulton take control, creating several excellent opportunities that unfortunately went begging.

The breakthrough finally arrived following a superb move down the right. Adam Dicks delivered a perfect pass into the box, finding Toby Sainsbury unmarked, and he made no mistake, firing Moulton into a deserved 1-0 lead.

At this stage Moulton were firmly on top and looked the more likely side to add to their advantage. However, controversy struck when Peterborough launched a long ball forward. Matty Wardell appeared to be shepherding the ball out of play with his back to the striker when the Peterborough forward tangled his feet. Amazingly, the referee pointed to the spot, awarding a penalty despite strong protests from the Moulton players.

Peterborough converted to level the scores at 1-1.

Moulton still had four or five excellent chances to put the game to bed, but it simply wasn’t to be, and penalties would decide the destination of the trophy.

Peterborough took the first spot-kick and struck the bar. Toby Sainsbury calmly converted Moulton’s opener before the Moulton goalkeeper will Bewley pl and club legend stepped into the spotlight, producing two magnificent saves from the next three Peterborough penalties.

Munir Amour converted his penalty, while Mo Khan was unfortunate to see his effort missed. Peterborough then scored with an audacious Panenka, leaving Moulton captain Jamie Fuller with the opportunity to win the cup with what would be the final kick of his youth football career.

The skipper needed no second invitation.

Fuller confidently dispatched the winning penalty to spark wild celebrations and complete a remarkable treble-winning season for Moulton. It would have been a travesty for this talented group not to finish the campaign with another trophy, and they fully deserved their success.

A special mention must go to Adam Dicks, whose performance throughout the final was outstanding. His energy, quality on the ball and assist for the opening goal were crucial to Moulton’s success. How he wasn’t awarded Man of the Match remains one of the day’s biggest mysteries!

Final Score: Moulton 1-1 FC Peterborough

Moulton win 3-1 on penalties

A fantastic achievement and a season to remember.

Congratulations lads – it’s been emotional!